For Immediate Release
The Unified Voice of One Thousand Drummers
Taiko Teachers Build Bonds in Brazil
Isaku Kageyama, Japanese-American member of premiere taiko (Japanese drum) ensemble Amanojaku, has been appointed by the Nippon Taiko Foundation to teach the traditional art form in Brazil. He will accompany accredited taiko masters Kunio Furuya, Akemi Matsueda, and Toshihiro Minowa, in teaching the composition “Kizuna” (Bond), which will be played in unison by 1,000 taiko drummers in June 2008, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Japanese immigration to Brazil.
Brazil holds the largest Japanese expatriate population in the world, and taiko is rapidly gaining popularity, primarily among young Japanese-Brazilians. “I want to be a role model for these young men and women, and help them find their identities,” said Isaku Kageyama, who also taught taiko in Brazil during 2004 and 2006.
From February 28 – March 21, the group of four appointees will lead Nippon Taiko Seminars in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Maringa, and Sorocaba. Isaku Kageyama will return to Brazil in July, to further prepare for the 100th anniversary ceremonies. The program hopes to further catalyze taiko in Brazil, where recognition of the art is growing tremendously, as a result of the Nippon Taiko Foundation’s efforts.
About Amanojaku − http://amanojaku.info
Amanojaku’s sound features a distinctive modernity combined with traditional techniques. The group has toured over 40 nations, including Thailand (‘06), the United States (’05) and Brazil (’04). Amanojaku has performed at the prestigious Japanese National Theatre four times.
