Japan's Drum Tao deliver heart-pounding beats on Saudi debut

Arab News

30-01-2025

DHAHRAN: Drum Tao, the internationally acclaimed Japanese drumming ensemble, delivered a heart-pounding performance at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture's theater on Wednesday night.
Their show at Ithra, titled 'The Dream,' is running nightly until Feb. 1, with two performances on Jan. 31.
For over an hour, the audience regularly clapped in unison. With no lyrics, the performance relied entirely on sight and sound to tell its story.
Their show at Ithra, titled 'The Dream,' is running nightly until Feb. 1, with two performances on Jan. 31. (Supplied)
The stage lighting shifted throughout, intending to evoke a range of emotions. The interplay of flute and drums created a soundscape that was at once soft and powerful, gentle yet aggressive.
The energy was serene and melancholic, tender and intense, seamlessly blending contrasts. The seemingly chaotic performance was expertly synchronized and at times humorous.
Known for their fusion of traditional wadaiko drumming, modern choreography, and dynamic storytelling, Drum Tao was founded in 1993 in Oita, Japan.
They have performed in more than 500 cities for more than 9 million spectators worldwide.
The shows are part of a 17-day cultural exchange, 'Ithra Cultural Days Japan,' which concludes on Feb. 8. (Supplied)
They made their off-Broadway debut in New York to a sold-out audience in 2016 before bringing their performances to Tokyo and Osaka's most popular nightclubs in 2022 as a part of Club Tao.
Directed by Drum Tao founder Ikuo Fujitaka, the evening at Ithra fused the thunderous beats of taiko drums with the delicate melodies of Japanese flutes and harps.
The choreography — an athletic feat in itself — added another layer of spectacle, making it a true crowd pleaser.
For the audience, the evening was more than just a performance — it was a vivid exploration of Japanese culture.
The shows are part of a 17-day cultural exchange, 'Ithra Cultural Days Japan,' which concludes on Feb. 8.
Other Japanese musicians and artists also traveled to Ithra to showcase their talents.
One of them, Kohei Matsumoto, whose performances can be seen at Ithra's Lush Garden, spoke to Arab News about how Japanese music is fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
'I'm really happy to see (Saudi) Arabian people enjoying Japanese culture through music — people can experience authentic Japanese traditions here (at Ithra's Japan cultural days),' Matsumoto said.