Motoichi
Yuzawa

Ancient Sounds

The word Taiko is often used to describe a wide range of Japanese drums, also known as Wadaiko. These drums come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from 30cm to almost 2 metres in diameter at their largest. Often played in ensembles, Japanese drum performances became very popular in The West in the 1980s, thanks to artists such as Kitaro and the group Kodo.

We had the unique opportunity for a live demonstration of Wadaiko with maestro Motoichi Yuzawa, who very kindly accepted our invitation to play at the train station.

Throughout his performance, even though we didn't speak any Japanese and he didn't speak any English, maestro Yuzawa transmitted the energy, discipline and humility that is so characteristic of Japanese culture. We've been honoured to have him aboard the Juke Train and we expect to see him back very soon.