Japanese show captivates audience

Islamabad

A Japanese musical evening is becoming an annual attraction in the capital for those who are invited. 

Saturday evening saw another performance by talented Japanese musicians and the children of the Islamabad Japanese School -- a well attended affair that was appreciated by the audience with repeated applause. The MC for the evening was Duaa Mujeeb and the event was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) courtesy the Islamabad Japanese School (IJS); Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP). 

The event began with the amiable Deputy Head of Mission, Japanese Embassy, Junya Matsura, welcoming the audience with a heartfelt ‘Khushamdeed’(welcome) and setting the mood for the evening with a few humorous remarks. After this the multi-talented Head of Public Affairs, Embassy of Japan, Katsunori Ashida took over announcing and explaining what was happening -- as well as performing on the drums; with a bugle and singing, both in Japanese as well as Urdu and Pashto -- his ‘Mast Qalander’ was well applauded! He speaks Urdu fluently and was quite entertaining with his remarks and observations.

The programme began with Kindergarten pupils of Islamabad Japanese School aged between three to six years presenting a dance cum gymnastic performance. Known as Nakayoshi Yochien Kindergarten Group, these very young children stole the hearts of the audience with their smiles and their confidence. It was a good beginning to an enjoyable show!

The first group of Japanese songs was sung by a Japanese national whose name unfortunately I could not get. For his first number he was accompanied by two ladies on synthesisers; a guitarist and a seven year old drummer, who amazed the audience with his skill. Another two songs in Japanese followed sung by an attractive young lady, Kimiko Yamamoto, followed by Pakistani vocalists singing Japanese songs to recorded music and Katsunori Ashida’s act, who had Pakistani musicians accompanying him. This concluded with a fusion instrumental number rendered by all the musicians.

Roberto on the guitar and vocalist Chino were next and entertained by singing Japanese songs, asking the audience to join in and generally being more interactive like professional performers. The language barrier seemed insignificant as Chino sang and the audience responded by clapping along with the beat.  

The icing on the cake, so to say, was the performance by the students of the Japanese School on traditional Wadaiko drums. From the youngest to the eldest, their co-ordination and timing was spot on and worth the appreciation they received from the admiring audience. Dressed in similar, colourful kimonos they made a lovely group of performers who looked happy as they played. This was followed by a Fisherman’s Dance by the same group and again, it was a great display of agility and coordination. 

Newly appointed PNCA Director General Jamal Shah earlier spoke of how he hoped to revitalise the organisation and promote the cultural identity of Pakistan. In conclusion, he also said that he was so impressed by the children’s performance he had decided to open an academy for Pakistani students and parents who were interested should contact him. 

Wadaiko is the Japanese name for both the act of drumming in a traditional Japanese style (of which there are many) and the drums themselves. The name comes from the Japanese words 'Wa', meaning 'Japanese' (in parallel ‘harmony’ as well, and 'Taiko', meaning 'drum'. In modern Japan, Wadaiko has become more of a performance art, seen at festivals or in concerts. 

Pakistani singers of Japanese songs were chosen after advertising and selected for their fluency in the language.