At this time of sudden ‘lockdown’ in Japan and Ireland, postcards help us to stay in touch. We are greatly missing our Japanese friends and partners this year as they cannot be with us to perform and hold master-classes, so they have sent us musical post-cards. Liam McGillicuddy, a former student of Japanese in UCD, has sent us greetings and her wonderful ‘postcard vlog’ on life in Japan. These and other pieces were part of Experience Japan’s Virtual Hanami Festival normally held in Farmleigh House and Estate with the support of UCD Japan, Japanese and Irish Embassies, OPW, Dublin City Council and many others. Taiko Master and global award-winning, Hiro Hayashida, a former member of Kodo (the World renowned taiko drum team) and his colleagues, Luke Takahashi and Miyu Kobayashi (award-winning Shinobue performer) joining the virtual festival from lockdown. In addition, we have a young award-winning Shamisen performer, Hibiki Sawada, from Shamisen Experiment.
Schedule
00:00 - Miyu Kobayashi on Shinobue performing “The Spring of the Sea”
01:02 - Dr Naonori Kodate, UCD Centre or Japanese Studies
02:21 - "A Day in Japan" with Lian McGillycuddy of Fuji Family
05:34 - Hibiki Sawada of Shamisen Experiment performing “Tsugaru jyongarabushi”
09:53 - Samurai Zi-PANG performing "Tomorrow is Another Day!!"
UCD Centre for Japanese Studies
Building on the success of the academic-led, interdisciplinary UCD Japan Group (since June 2016), the Centre will continue offering an innovative cross-disciplinary research-driven model, supporting the research into a unique culture and society. Japan as an island country in a transforming Asia offers a rich field for research into the increasingly globalising world and society. The following three overarching research themes will be the focus of JaSt in the coming years.
1. Re-examining Japan in global context
2. Science, technology and implementation in Irish and Japanese society
3. Approaches to teaching and learning, business and diplomacy
ZI-PANG is a unique Taiko group produced by Hiro Hayashida that works with young talented taiko drummers to expand their versatility and experience working with different musical genres. Taiko, keyboard, bass, horn section... ZI-PANG's sound is expressed in all kinds of styles being very well received in Japan and all over the world. The ZI-PANG's stage has rhythmical, overwhelming sound and incredible technique that breaks the concept of taiko and enhance audience experience. They perform in Japan and overseas to provide opportunities for people from all over the world to experience the world of taiko in a new musical fusion.
Leading Taiko Artist, Hiro Hayashida, is known for the range and brilliance of his techniques and the ability to produce ‘one of a kind’ ensembles. With his creative ideas and foresight, he never stops being a pioneer and major influence in the taiko world of performance, composition and production. Between 1984 to 1991, as a member of KODO in their early development, he performed on +800 stages. Seeking to widen his musical journey, he worked with a cross-section of genres including vocalists and musicians such as Takio Ito and Koji Tamaki including sessions with many other musicians. With this unique experience, high-quality technique and strong personality as a taiko player, he produces all kinds of music and music events, which receive high praise.
Miyu Kobayashi - Taiko & Shinobue
From the age of 8, Miyu has played Taiko and toured with Hiro Hayashida in 6 countries with Super Taiko junior. When she was 17 last year, she joined Zi-PANG as a professional performer. Her dynamic, powerful and skilful style of performing is widely recognized and applauded. She started to play Japanese bamboo flute, Shinobue at the age of 11 and has won second prize at the World Shinobue competition in 2017 and in 2018.
Luke Takahashi - Taiko
From Saitama prefecture, Luke has played percussion from a very early age. He started playing drums at the age of 10 and joined a Taiko group at 14. Since the age of 16, he is a core member of Super Taiko junior and so far has toured the world visiting Asia, America, Europe and Oceania. In 2015, he joined Zi-PANG and appeared on the famous TV programme, EXILE USA DANCE EARTH CHANNEL. He is renowned for amazing speed and high levels of technique when playing Taiko which always impresses audiences.
Hibiki Sawada - Shamisen
From 12 years old, Hibiki started to study of Tsugaru Shamisen. While studying at university, he started playing and teaching. While intermingling "folk songs" and "modern songs," he is conducting and teaching performances with the motto of "enjoying" the Tsugaru Shamisen.
Shamisen_Experiments三味線_エクスペリメンツ
/ @hbk_shami
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