Press release

JAPANESE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE HELD AT THE ISLAMABAD CLUB AUDITORIUM

PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 14-46

Islamabad: 18 October 2014

The Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Islamabad Japanese School, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan organized a Japanese musical performance show on Saturday 18th October 2014 here at the Islamabad Club Auditorium. The musical performances comprised of Wadaiko drumming (traditional Japanese drums), Japanese Chorus, dancing and songs.

About sixteen school children between 7 to 15 years old performed a lively set of traditional dance and a drum beat ensemble. The energetic and rhythmic dance with Wadaiko drumming by the students of Islamabad Japanese School enthralled the audience by their heart-warming performances. The purpose of the event was to showcase traditional Japanese music and dances to the Pakistani people. It was a dynamic, thunderous and powerful performance, with the sound of the drums resonating in the soul of both performers and listeners. Pakistani folk songs presented by Mr. Bakhtiar Khattak who specially arrived from Peshawar added further colors to the show.
Wadaiko is the Japanese name for both the act of drumming in a traditional Japanese style (of which there are many) and the drums themselves. The name comes from the Japanese words 'Wa', meaning 'Japanese', and 'Taiko', meaning 'drum'. In modern Japan, wadaiko has become more of a performance art, seen at festivals or in concerts.
The amateur performers showcased a folk tradition of Japan by exemplifying their dedication and discipline in mastering a complex choreography. This musical performance provided an opportunity for the Pakistani people to discover Japanese culture and tradition through their little Japanese friends.

Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata while speaking at the occasion said that since his arrival in Pakistan he has noticed that the general impression of Japan in Pakistan is its advanced technology and the art of animation. Today’s musical performance was arranged for the Pakistani audience to present a different and colorful side of Japan, said Ambassador Inomata.

Ambassador Inomata deeply appreciated the performers who had put in a lot of effort in practicing and presenting this show. (End)