YAMATO

YAMATO

Presented by 

Artistic Director
Masa Ogawa

YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-muraNara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese
people as the hometown of Japan. They call themselves “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the
world”. They have given more than 4,500 shows across 55countries around the world since their formation in 1993.
YAMATO’s Taiko work cannot be fully described by the word “performance”.

They have performed in theaters, schools, all types of events, and even held workshops and Taiko lessons. They are
spending a half year on a Japan tour and a half year for the world tour. Their motto is “We go everywhere when somebody
needs YAMATO! And bringing energy to the people living in the world!”. They bring joy to the world.

On stage, they are standing with more than 40 Taiko drums and all of them are having different characters. For example,
their largest drum called “Odaiko”, produced from a huge tree over 400 years old, is approximately two meters in
diameter and weighs 500kg. All other Taiko drums are different sizes and have different sounds.
The members of the group have trained their bodies to the limit to beat these massive Taiko drums.
The acoustic pressure far surpasses what one could imagine.

They do not simply make their Taiko drums explode with sound; they produce delicate music that provides the listener
with a palette of meticulously crafted sound. This is why YAMATO’s original performances are known as “Physical music”,
and continue to receive high acclaim all over the world. YAMATO is sometimes intense, sometimes sad, sometimes
comforting, and in the next moment comical on stage.

The audience is more than a group of bystanders at their performances.
The audience is engulfed in the sound of the Taiko, and sweat, cry, and laugh; they become one with the performers. All
types of people gather around the sound of the Taiko, interweaving their lives, and feeling the power of each other’s inner
passion and heart.

They come together to create an instant in which they truly feel alive.
“Taiko drumming, to the unexplored field.”
YAMATO is still traveling around the world.

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Yamato Members
Naoki Ekihiro, Akiko Ogawa, Jun Kato, Jo Nakamura, Marika Nito, 
Kenta Ono, Mika Miyazaki, Tatsuya Iwaki, Nene Miura, Daisuke Jonai,
 Genta Ogawa, Wakaba Sudani, Yumesa Tunaka

1.  跫  Ashioto – Footsteps
It appeared on a barren land, rising at dawn, and began walking toward the sun. It crossed fields, mountains, and valleys, passing through spring, summer, autumn, and winter. As the sun set, it lay down, admired the moon, and counted the stars. Born and vanished, vanished and born again, it rises, walks, and keeps walking. What is it striving for? Why does it continue to walk? The sound of footsteps echoes through the air.

2.  有頂天  Ucho-ten – Rapture
This is the pinnacle of the world. Today, I have reached the highest point I have ever known. For now, I will forget everything and celebrate the self that arrived here today. It is incredible. I feel on top of the world. My life is going splendidly… until the wind blows, sweeping me back to the start. When reality hits, fear creeps in, so I will laugh it all off and keep pushing forward. Tomorrow, I will climb even higher. I am aiming for the very top.

3.  烈⽕  Rekka – Wildfire
Bodies collide, flesh against flesh. Sound against sound. But what truly clashes are the inner souls. Each body, ignited by a multitude of souls, burns with flames of varied hues. Sparks fly, as vibrant flames clash, pulsing to the rhythm of beating hearts. The flames begin to synchronize with the beats, becoming one, fiercely and beautifully burning. What can be seen within that blazing unity? The roar of sound resonates.

4.  我楽多  Garakuta – Odds and Ends
Voices of odds and ends are heard. Their voices, small and cheerful, play with the day today. There is no grand reason to speak of, no particularly profound cause. These odds and ends serve no specific purpose and are of no use to the world. Yet, there is a spirited desire to express this: There is no trash in this world! Everything, surely, is someone’s treasure! Little hearts resonate together. “Odds and ends” written in kanji as “我 (ga), 楽 (raku), 多 (ta)” translates to “I have fun.” This is a comedic piece using a small instrument called a “chappa,” not a traditional Japanese drum.

5.  壱徹  Ittetsu – Stubborn
Once I am resolved, I pursue my goal without diversion. I press on with unwavering determination, embodying “stubborn persistence.” An unbendable belief, once so steadfast, twists and bends under various temptations. My strong will and resolve sometimes fade, becoming nearly invisible. Even today, struggling not to succumb to defeat, I continue to battle with myself. I live with a clear mind and straight purpose. Just keep drumming!

Intermission

6.  熱情  Netsujoh – Passion
Born into this world as a human, carrying a passion that endures as long as life persists. The fervor that burns in the hearts of all who live in the present moment. Now is the time to raise that passion high. With the flame of this fervor, illuminate the darkness and forge ahead on the path that lies before us. Let us raise our voices and thrust our fists skyward. The heart, an engine beating strongly within, sends energy to both body and spirit. Hearts dance with the joy of shared smiles. O flame of passion, illuminate the world and its people.

7.  爛爛  Ran-Ran – The Glaring Thing
A glowing light within the heart, a brilliance shining deep in the eyes. Quietly present, clearly existing, unyielding to any force that may come. Close the eyes to behold it. With resolve, lift your face, and in that moment of opening your eyes, light bursts forth from within. A flash of brilliance carves out the path that must be followed. Let us proceed without hesitation.

8.  輩  Yakara – The Guys
Not knowing when one transitions from child to adult. No matter how old we grow, we can never fully become adults. Dreams, hopes, ambitions, and desires. Repeatedly swinging between joy and sorrow. Let us cherish the innocent and pure parts within each other, embracing and supporting one another. Let us stand together, sweating and shedding tears, once more. Grimly determined.

9.  楽打  Rakuda – Joy of the Beat
“Raku-da” is a coined term combining the kanji for “fun” (楽, raku) and the kanji for “to drum” (打, da). The sound of the term evokes the image of a camel in Japanese. It conveys a sense of the camel's slightly whimsical demeanor, wandering through the endless desert. “Raku-da” represents “drumming with joy,” and this song embodies that spirit. It is considered one of the representative pieces of YAMATO, with the group traveling through an endless world with this music.

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