Wa Son Bon 2009

On Wednesday, 12^th February, St John's College's junior school was fortunate to enjoy the performance of the Wa Son Bon Taiko group from Japan.  Taiko is an ancient Japanese tradition involving different drumming techniques on various sized drums to rouse audiences at festivals and celebrations but also as a mark of respect on more solemn occasions.

The leader of Wa Son Bon, Riichi Yamauchi, also played the shamisen which is Japan's three-stringed instrument.  Although it is a classical instrument, Riichi is making it popular with Japanese youth by composing original, rock-influenced numbers which are accompanied by the taiko drums. Taiko Drums

The other Wa Son Bon members were Kenji Furutate and Hidenori Yura.  Kenji played the large drum which was balanced on a stand so that Kenji needed to stretch in order to use all the drum's surface.  Hidenori played a smaller drum strapped over his shoulder and he wandered amongst the audience during the performance.  All the group members are also members of other groups in Japan but get together to share their love of these traditional instruments.  Hidenori who looks like he belongs to a rock'n roll band is actually a practising Buddhist monk!

Taiko drums have a powerful sound that had the St John's boys tapping and clapping along.  After the performance, several of them tried their hand at the drums.  Wa Son Bon were impressed by their skill and two St John's students have now decided to join the Waitaiko group of Taiko drummers based at Waikato University.

Wa Son Bon provided a stirring introduction to Japanese culture for many of our students through the medium of music: truly an international language!  We thank Riichi, Kenji and Hidenori for taking time out of their busy schedules to tour New Zealand schools and share their love of this fascinating art form.