SAIKI
Japan is an archipelago with an estimated number of islands ranging from 6,852 to 14,125, the four largest being Hokkaidō, Honshū, Shikoku and Kyūshū, accounting for 95% of the country’s land area. The archipelago extends over more than three thousand kilometers. Most of the islands are mountainous, sometimes volcanic. The highest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji is a volcano that last erupted in 1707.
Japanese culture is influenced by that of China and Korea, but it is also distinct from them. Foreign cultural influences have historically occurred via Korea due to geographical proximity. The arrival of the Portuguese and later the Americans somewhat changed this cultural system. It became richer as a result.
The group "Saiki" is one of the most famous Japanese percussionist ensembles in the world. He is known for his powerful and modern shows, mixing tradition and innovation. Their performances feature a wide variety of Japanese drums, including the large "ōdaiko" (big drums) that can weigh several dozen kilograms, as well as snare drums and other traditional percussion.
The company is composed of young high-level players. Its members are either students of the higher music and dance cycle or from the best musical high schools in the country. They perform at various festivals in Japan and especially at national competitions.
They aim to make known the Japanese culture through entertaining shows that upset the received ideas on Japanese drums. They traveled the world performing in Cambodia, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Taiwan, Greece and France.
Their art tells a story, often symbolic, navigating between the ancestral and the contemporary, and crossing Japanese traditions with influences from around the world. The company is known for its virtuosity, rhythmic power and ability to captivate audiences through stunning visual and sound performances.
Japanese drums, called taiko, occupy a central place in Japanese musical culture. They come in various shapes and sizes and are used both in traditional festivals and modern shows. Taiko are often made of wood, with a tight skin, and can be played with sticks called "bachi". Some taiko make it possible to perform spectacular performances.
You will be moved when you hear taiko reasoning for the first time. The deep and powerful sound, the mesmerizing rhythm, the perfect coordination of the musicians and the way the whole body is involved in creating the sound will impress you.
You will understand that, while being an instrument, the taiko is sometimes also thought of as a form of meditation or dance. This is the magic of the show of the company "Saiki".
