ISLAMABAD: Japanese children took the stage on Saturday, at a musical evening featuring Wadaiko.

Music enthusiasts filled the Islamabad Club auditorium to watch their performance.

Wadaiko is a traditional style of Japanese drumming.

The name comes from the Japanese word ‘Wa’, which means Japanese, and ‘Taiko’ – drums.

In modern Japan, Wadaiko has transformed into performance art, often seen at festivals and concerts.

Saturday’s performance by amateur musicians was delivered with an almost manic intensity.

The harmony-rich act captivated listeners, and the thundering rhythm of the Wadaiko drums was interwoven with delicate and subtle percussive soundscapes, creating a display of fluid grace and precise choreography.

One of the guests likened the drumming to a spiritual experience, while another said it was enlivening to behold.

“Their level of drumming was good enough to perform anywhere in the world,” Huma Tanveer said.

The event was organised by the Japanese embassy, the Islamabad Japanese School, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and Alumni Association.

The young performers showcased Japanese folk traditions and exemplified their dedication towards mastering complex choreography.

The concert also provided the Pakistani audience with an opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of Japan, and showcased the country’s music and dances.

“Our purpose is to promote cultural harmony and to provide a joint platform for the artists of both the countries,” Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Inomata said.

The show began with a dance performance by kindergarten students aged between two and seven, who are known as the Nakayoshi Yochien group, or the ‘little angels’.

The Japanese embassy first secretary Katsunori Ashida also surprised the audience by singing popular English and Japanese songs.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2015