CULTURE
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jan Nishihira, a member of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, recently practiced at Salt Lake District Park with the Okinawan taiko drum group.
|
|
The rhythm of taiko
Okinawan influences add a new beat to the traditional drumming art form
Size does matter, when it comes to taiko.
Japanese taiko versus Okinawan taiko is a difference in style and musical tradition, but what's most apparent is the size of the drum.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko
10th anniversary recital: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday; doors open at noon
Place: Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Magic Showroom
Tickets: $30
Call: 224-7380
|
A Japanese drum is large and fixed in place; drummers attack it with two sticks firmly in hand. This is the style of drumming that we're used to in Hawaii.
Okinawan drums come in three sizes, all smaller than the Japanese: o-daiko, the largest, carried on a purple sash; shime-daiko, a double-sided hand drum; and the single-sided paranku. All are carried by the drummer and struck with a single stick, or bachi.
See the difference Sunday at the 10th anniversary recital of the Hawaii chapter of Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, an international organization of Okinawan taiko drummers.
The drummers follow a dance and musical style called Eisa and incorporate martial arts movements. Unlike Japanese taiko performers, they drum to music, both traditional folk and modern rock.
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Landon Akau works out with a small drum. Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko will perform Sunday in a recital.
|
|
Akemi Martin, director of the Hawaii chapter, learned her skills in Okinawa and started the group at a time when there was little knowledge of the art form locally. "I started teaching from zero 10 years ago," Martin said.
The Hawaii chapter now includes branches on Oahu, Kauai and Maui, with weekly beginner classes offered through the city at Halawa and Salt Lake district parks.
After a couple of 10-week sessions, Martin said, most drummers are ready to join the chapter and prepare for performances. "If they start now," she added, "they can be ready for the Okinawan Festival."
She'll have 35 performers on stage Sunday, and they come from all ethnic backgrounds. Proceeds will go toward a study tour of Okinawa that she hopes will introduce her students to the roots of their art: "That's the main thing -- international friendships."
