To the beat of Wadaiko: Japanese performers offer a peek into oriental culture

Traditional and modern culture including karaoke, Wadaiko, and martial arts demonstrated


Newsdesk October 22, 2018
PHOTO: APP

Japan, like many Asian countries, is a country which has struggled to hold on to its traditional roots all the while affording space and even embracing modern cultures.

This was on display at the auditorium of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Sunday in a Japanese cultural performance. The performance had been organised by the Japanese embassy in collaboration with the Pakistan-Japan Friendship Forum as part of their efforts to further strengthen cultural linkages between the two countries and their citizens.

The show started with the modern Japanese tradition of karaoke — where anyone can sing along to songs by reading the lyrics off a screen. Karaoke was developed by the Japanese in the 1970s.

It was followed by a musical performance by students of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) together with volunteers from the Japanese Association of Pakistan.

The beat then changed with a performance of traditional Japanese drum beating called Wadaiko by Japanese volunteers.

Delving deeper into Japanese tradition, a demonstration of traditional martial arts using kendo —sparring using bamboo swords, Iaido — a sword movement demonstration using the bokuto (wooden sword), and karate were also staged.

“I very often feel that the whole country of Japan is like a huge incubator of Japanese culture because geographically, Japan is an isolated island and we have nurtured our own very unique culture through our long history,” said Japanese Embassy’s Charge d’ Affaires Yusuke Shindo, adding, “Our culture is colourful, beautiful and dynamic. It reflects the vitality and strength of the Japanese people.”

He hoped such Japanese cultural activities will contribute to mutual understanding and help strengthen friendship between Japan and Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2018.

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