Rhythmic display of Japanese drums and dance

Young Performers captivate the audience

Published in Pakistan Observer (5 Nov. 2011)

Sana Jamal‎ 

Islamabad – On Friday evening, the Auditorium of National Art Gallery rang with the thunderous drumming and energetic dancing show presented by the Japanese students. The Japanese Musical Performance was an impeccable example of esprit de corps of the Japanese people towards their revival from the devastating Japan Earthquake.

Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Oe, in his speech stated that “the energetic performance of the students represents the team spirit of the Japanese people, who are struggling to rebuild their lives” after the devastating natural disaster” that hit Japan in March 2011.

The show consisted of two dances: ‘Yagi-bushi’ and ‘Eisaa’ and the drumming ‘Nagara-Seiryuu-Noboriuchi’. All the musical pieces were from different parts of Japan, so as to offer a variety of Japanese folk music. The Musical Performance, organised by the Embassy of Japan and the Islamabad Japanese School in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), was also an occasion to extend ties between Pakistan and Japan. The Japanese Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the people of Pakistan and the government during Japan’s hard times. “A friend in need is a friend indeed and I would like our friendship to last forever” he said with a smile. 

In Pakistan, Japan is generally known for its high technology, and advancement, but the musical performance offered different aspects of the country. The performance of the students of Islamabad Japanese School, presented a unique opportunity for Pakistanis to learn more about the culture and traditions of Japan. The amateur performers showcased a folk tradition of Japan by demonstrating their dedication and discipline in mastering a complex choreography. 

Two rhythmic dance performances titled “Yagi-bushi” and “Eisa” presented by the student enthralled the audience. Yagibushi is a popular folk song, which consists of dancers with broad hats who go around in a counter clockwise circle. The energetic dance ends with everyone throwing their hats in the air. Eisaa is a folk dance, performed in a circle while singing, chanting, and dancing in a procession. Eisaa performances, which traditionally mark the end of the Obon Festival, once served an important religious function, and still do to a certain extent. Today, however, Eisaa is a form of entertainment for the people. 

An energetic performance called “Nagara Seiryu Noboriuchi”, a Japanese style drumming was showcased at the end. The vibrant and energetic expression not only demonstrated the strength of the Japanese people, and also the spirit of friendship between the two friendly countries.