Gato Chefe de Estação em Ashinomaki Onsen
Por Andre Moreira
Traditional arts in Fukushima's Shimogo region
Passing through Fukushima's Shimogo district this summer, home to one of the prefecture's top destinations in Ouchi-juku, I had the opportunity to watch a local taiko group perform their craft this past summer.
Formed in 1987, Shimogo's Okawa-Keiryu Taiko Preservation Society (大川渓流太鼓保存会) is a group of local Japanese taiko drummers. Their lively performances are well-received, combining traditional culture with local folklore. Led by charismatic Iwasawa-san, their goal is to has been to help preserve inherited traditional arts and help revitalise the region, and are driven by the support of the local Shimogo people.
I was fortunate enough to participate in a unique taiken experience deep in Shimogo's valleys and received a pair of Japanese 'bachi' drumsticks as a commemorative gift. Whilst captured mid-training session, this performance showcases well what they can do.
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