The Ber-months in Cebu will open with loud bangs as Japan's extraordinaires and martial artists perform on their explosive drums in Drum Tao this September 1.
All about the Group
When the disaster in Japan struck (earthquake), a show was created to cheer up its people. So much love was given to Japan when this tragedy happened, including Singapore. Paving way for a lot of tours and shows, TAO is currently preparing their biggest stage ever in Singapore.
The group which is comprised of 18 males and 5 females was formed in 1993 in the Aichi prefecture by the company director Fujitaka and they moved in 1995 to Kuju, their training ground and homebase called Grandioso. They have a residence which is also accommodation for guests who wish to stay and they have made an open air terrace where they can perform for the visitors from around the world. They would not be able to play their loud instruments if the place was amongst other homes and within the suburbs so this is another reason why they are located away from the city areas.
At first, there wasn't that enough female performers compared to the current number. Most of the female performers came to TAO after watching TAO's performance, after they were so inspired by the beautiful performances. Drums in Japan are not only for men but something that can be enjoyed by everyone to play.
About Drumming
For them, drumming is the only thing they found in their lives that they feel they can spend their whole lives into.
For aspiring drummers, they said that it's a hard life. You need to have a strong spirit to maintain yourself not only as a musician but as professional athletes as well. The art demands physical focus. If you don't have the passion, you might better off stay in the audience.
The Training
Each morning the group rise about 6am to run for 7km or more, followed by a bout of vigorous strengthening exercises. Then they rehearse, beating drum sticks and vocalizing rhythms. They have at least three hours of physical activity before a breakfast of fish, salad, soup and rice. Out of the 200 hopefuls who apply each year, only five are tested and just one or two make the grade to join the junior troupe. To become a drummer, it takes one year of severe training, but that is because they have to be ready to go on stage.
The passion to succeed is the most important thing. You have to lose everything else - at one point you cannot even talk to your friends or family. The reason for being disconnected from mobile phones, internet and luxuries such as even chocolates or sweets for trainees during this first year of training is for them to be focused and dedicated to mastering the art and learning from the other senior members without sometimes being told but by picking it up from observing and practice. Some trainees do not last long if they cannot handle the tough physical training or mental impact living at Grandioso might have on them.
The Shows
The first shows in 1993 were played to small crowds-- so small they played one time to an audience of 6 people only. Right now, they have toured to 17 countries and have performed in theaters catering to 1000 to 2000 in audience size and even to a 20,000stadium in Taepei. Now, that is so far from their humble beginnings of 6!
They shared that their journey has its highs and lows but what makes them move forward is their passion to get better sound and rhythm needed to entertain people. The passion is evident in their everyday interaction-- they live together, eat together and they think as one when they entertain people. That's how their show keeps on evolving.
The Inspiration
The group felt that the main thing that inspired them is the circumstance that's surrounding their daily lives-- where they live, how they live and the emotion that they from what is happening around them, even to what they see and hear on the road affects their performance. The mood that they are in depends on where you are or what's happening around the world-- this mood inspires their music.
They also shared that the traditions that are passed from legends have inspired them as they are trying to create a new form of entertainment. They do research on the theme of their shows-- paintings, pictures, video clips, words, etc.
Main Leads
Yoshinori Suito
Original member From Aichi Composer, Drummer, Shamisen(Three Strings Japanese Guitar)
Ryohei Taki From Aichi
Composer, Drummer, Big Drum
Hiroaki Kishino From Tokyo
Composer, Drummer
Akihiro Kawahara From Yokohama, Kanagawa
Drummer
Takuya Era From Kumamoto
Drummer, Double stick/Flag act
Arisa Nishi From Ibusuki, Kagoshima
Composer, Drummer, Shinobue(Japanese Flute)
The Cebu Show
World-renowned Japan martial arts and drum-playing extra-ordinaires, Drum Tao, will finally be showcasing their internationally applauded performance in Cebu for the very first time in September 1 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino for 2 shows only.
After playing to audiences of more than 5 million, in 400 cities in 17 countries that include Switzerland, Denmark, Israel, USA, Australia, Spain, Belgium, UK and Germany, critically-acclaimed Drum Tao, will explode onto the Manila stage with its eclectic mix of dance and martial arts as the dynamic and innovative Japanese performers beat their Wadaiko Drums.
Drum Tao is world class entertainment at the highest level.Â* It is an innovative contemporary Japanese production that has thrilled audiences with this ground-breaking presentation and one-of-a-kind show.
The two-hour extravaganza features super human efforts by the 16-strong highly disciplined crew of Japanese Taiko drummers, who spend eight months of the year touring the world, giving it their all in the 500 shows they perform a year.
Online Contest
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