(TOKYO) Amanojaku, one of the world’s most respected taiko ensembles, has been appointed by the Nippon Taiko Foundation to direct a performance by one thousand taiko drummers at Skol Arena Anhembi, Sao Paulo’s finest samba venue on June 21. Amanojaku will also hold a concert in the city. The performances celebrating the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Brazil are the culmination of a bold and innovative five-year program.
The drummers, primarily Japanese-Brazilians in their teens and 20s, will perform “Kizuna (Bond)” co-composed by Amanojaku leader Yoichi Watanabe at the 500-meter samba venue.
“Playing taiko requires more than just technique,” says Mr. Watanabe, who is making his sixth trip to Brazil to help young Japanese-Brazilian men and women discover their roots, learn the value of hard work, perseverance and teamwork through the traditional Japanese art form. Taiko has spread rapidly through the nation known for its love of percussion, and is now played by more than 60 groups.
The event is a moving testament to the success story of Japanese-Brazilians, who have risen through hard work, to become an integral part of a dynamic and booming country.
＊ Photos, video clips and interviews in Japan and Brazil are available upon requests.
Amanojaku rehearses for their performance in Brazil.
Amanojaku Taiko Concert - Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration to Brazil
Amanojaku will hold a concert celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration to Brazil, an event that promises to be a bold statement of legacy and vision. It will be the Japan premiere of “Kizuna,” which will be played in Brazil by 1000 drummers this June.
Event Title: Amanojaku Taiko Concert Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Japanese Immigartion to Brazil Personnel: Amanojaku, Kyosuke Suzuki (yokobue flute), Katsunari Sawada (shamisen) Date and Time: August 13, 2008 Wednesday at 19:00 (Doors open at 18:30) and August 14, 2008 Thursday at 14:00 (Doors open at 13:30) Place: Nerima Bunka Center TEL: 03-3993-3311 Ticket Prices: Advance Tickets: JPY 4000 Door Tickets: JPY 4500 All seats are non-reserved Ticket Release Date: June 5, 2008 Ticket Sales: Ticket Pia - http://pia.jp/t P-Code: 293-971 TEL: 0570-02-9999 Contact: Amanojaku − http://amanojaku.info TEL: 03-3904-1745 FAX: 03-3904-9434 Sponsors: Asano Taiko
About Amanojaku − http://amanojaku.info As one of the world’s most respected taiko ensembles, Amanojaku has toured more than 40 nations, including Thailand ('06), the United States ('05) and Brazil ('04). Amanojaku breathes the funk of Tokyo's cityscape, the multi-layered vibrations of the present and faraway sounds like swing and samba all integrated with the Japaneseness of taiko.
About Yoichi Watanabe − http://amanojakuweblog.seesaa.net Founder and leader of Amanojaku, Yoichi Watanabe, is one of taiko’s premier players and instructors. Mr. Watanabe’s influence on taiko is most recognizable through his compositions, which feature a distinctive modernity combined with traditional techniques.
Upcoming Amanojaku Performances
Ecchu Oshima Daiko 20th Anniversary Concert Date and Time: June 15, 2008 at 14:00 Place: Kosugi Bunka Hall “Rapport” Contact: Hechima Sangyo TEL 0766-52-5454
100th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration to Brazil Celebrations Date: June 21, 2008 Place: SKOL ARENA ANHEMBI （Sao Paulo, Brazil） Contact: Associacao Brasileira de Taiko TEL +55-11-3341-1077
12th Nippon Taiko Festival Date and Time: July 13, 2008 at 12:30 (Doors open at 12:00) Place: Sapporo Education and Culture Hall Ticket Prices: Advance Tickets JPY 2500, Door Tickets JPY 3000 (All seats are non-reserved) Ticket Sales: Ticket Pia TEL 0570-02-9999＋Pコード(290-857) Contact: Nippon Taiko Foundation TEL 03-6229-5577
Kan Nihon-kai Taiko Festival Date and Time: July 27, 2008 at 18:00 (Doors open at 17:00) Place: Ohama Seashore Stage Ticket Prices: Advance Tickets JPY 2000, Door Tickets 2500 Contact: Kan Nihon-kai Taiko Festival Organization Office TEL 0234-26-0381
3rd Japan Taiko Festival Date and Time: August 3, 2008 at 18:30 Place: Kurashiki TIVOLI Park “Plaenen Stage” Ticket Prices: Please purchase an admission ticket to TIVOLI Park Contact: Kurashi TIVOLI Park Information Center TEL 086-434-1111
Amanojaku Taiko Concert Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Japanese Immigartion to Brazil Date and Time: August 13 at 19:00 and August 14, 2008 at 14:00 Place: Nerima Bunka Center Ticket Prices: Advance Tickets JPY 4000, Door Tickets JPY 4500 (All seats are non-reserved) Ticket Sales: Ticket Pia TEL 0570-02-9999 P-Code （293-971） Contact: Amanojaku TEL 03-3904-1745
