◆ ONDEKO-BAYASHI
The key part of Ondeko-bayashi is performed with seven shemedaiko:
small taiko that weighs about 9kg.
The performance features the quick drumming style.
The song is inspired from the word “tamaire”, which means putting in the soul.
◆ UTSU-HACHIJOU
Hachijyou is a small island several miles south from Tokyo.
400 years ago there was a historical event called battle of Sekigahara, the battle between then divided Japan.
Hideie Ukita, who was the general of the losing side, was sent to Hachijyou Island after the battle andspent his rest of life there.It is said that he used the drumming stick as if they are two swords and sang a song along to express his longing to his home country.
The words of his song was,
Sound never disappears. My sound never fades.
Drumming the drum and gather the audience.
To them I have something to say.
If waves have minds, please carry my song.
◆ ODAIKO
Odaiko is the big taiko made of wood. Its diameter is 150cm and weighs more than 300kg.
Mr. Pierre Cardin suggested on performers to wear only shimekomi. The performing style in which performers positions themselves turning their back to the audience, is suggested by ONDEKOZA founder Den Tagayasu.
He was inspired from French actor Jean Gabin, who was said to “act with his back”.
■ Word from late Den Tagayasu, Founder of ONDEKOZA
「Change Mitsu domoe on Odaiko (the mark painted on taiko) to a horse!」
「The basic of Odaiko comes from the rhythm of a horse galloping.」
「Run fast and strongly and also beautifully.」
■ Word by Inui Toshio, Painter
「My horse survives for the next two centuries.」
「I can paint like this because I was in the cavalry
at the Greater East Asia War」
◆ YATAI-BAYASHI
Ancient people of southern island believed there’s a utopia in northern country and traveled to Japan by boats.
But the travel was threatened by storms, big waves and typhoons. They played the drum on the boats to ease the fear of the rowers and encouraged them with the repetitive beat. It is said that this beat is the origin of Yatai-Bayashi.
Yatai-Bayashi of ONDEKOZA is also reflecting the experience of young Den Tagayasu losing his 41 classmates out of 48 in Asakusa air raid, which took place in the early morning of March 10th 1945.
It is a requiem to his classmates from Den Tagayasu.
