Drumming group celebrates 20th anniversary

A performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of a Japanese-style drumming group also celebrated a member who has been with the group since its inception: Aki Watanabe.

Watanabe,73, was one of the first scientists to work on fiber optics and is well known in Ottawa, having lived, played and coached in the capital since leaving Vancouver in 1968.

“Back then, I think I knew everyone,” he said, laughingly. “I’ve coached basketball and soccer. I even invented a sport – five-pitch softball.”

As a founding member of Oto-Wa Taiko, Watanabe says the group attracts people from various cultural backgrounds. Although taiko has its roots in Japanese culture, it has a universal appeal to people of all backgrounds, evidenced not only the enthusiastic responses of audiences, but also by the very diverse make-up of Watanabe’s own group. “At present we number 15 members, eight female and seven males, of whom seven are ethnic Japanese, five are Caucasian, and two are of other ethnic groups. The age range of the members spans about 50 years, from the 70s to the 20s. We have drummers that have taught English as a second language. Or have just said after seeing us, that’s what I want to do,” Watanabe said. “Others are drummers from different areas. Drummers are drawn to us. In fact, drumming, that thu-thump-thu-thump is the first thing an infant hears. The rhythm of its mother’s heartbeat.”

During its 20 year life, Oto-Wa Taiko has performed nearly 400 times to an estimated audience of 350,000, including 25,000 in approximately 100 schools.

For more information log onto www.otowataiko.ca or call Watanabe at 613.592.4452.

CUTLINE

Aki Watanabe shows the dramatic impact of Japanese drumming. His group attracts drummers from many backgrounds and is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009.