HIBIKI - Soaring Soul of Taiko

I attended the above Taiko (Japanese Drum) Performance this evening and it was really inspirational. The rhythm and beat of the different drums resounded in the Japanese Association Auditorium and reverberated right down to the heart! What was really beautiful was the unison of the beats. All as one, all together, all with one beat. Arm muscles rippled and backs dripped with sweat from the exertion of the playing. Adults and even children stood side by side - as one.

The children were expressive and appeared to be enjoying their performance. Their passion and energy were apparent and came through in their performance. Not so apparent was the obvious focus they must have in remembering the beats and no lips were counting. It was obvious they must have put in hours of training and practice.

I once tried an introductory session of Taiko with Namiko Sakai (director of TENKO, Singapore) and my arms ached for a week. But I remember the exhilaration of getting into rhythm with the rest and the synchronized shouts and movement and the pure joy of hitting those drums. It was amazing! The exaggerated actions of stretching and squatting gave an illusion of height and strength. The impact was pure beauty in action.

Taiko is not for everyone. Obviously, those with no sense of rhythm and low tolerance for loud sounds should give it a miss. Those wanting a new experience and toned arm, back and stomach muscles should give it a go.

For me, I am happy just watching the already toned arms beat up the cow hide they call - Taiko!