“I want to take the warm hearts of people of the birthplace of Lord Buddha with me.” This statement came from Hiromi Ishioka, a Japanese drummer who had written his name in the Guinness Book of World Records for building the world’s biggest drum and playing it. The World Peace Drum, 4.8m in diameter, 5m in length and 2 tons in weight, is in Japan, but the 51-year-old has showed his performance for Nepalis four times in a small replica. I was one of the spectators of his team’s performance on Tuesday evening.
His team, the Akafuji Daiko, played drums in a way I have never seen. What I liked most about the performance is that all members performed in the way that I thought they are worshipping something rather than playing for people. There were five others, whom Ishioka brought in his own expenses according to organizing Folk Nepal Group. I had a chance to chat with Ishioka after his two performances through Ram Kumar Adhikari, the interpreter.
“I want to teach Nepalis Japanese drum playing and learn Nepali musical instruments,” he said adding that he is planning to release a record mixing Nepali and Japanese music.
He said his giant drum, recognized by World Records Book in January 1, 2000, is made to describe the beauty of his city – Otsuki. “I wanted to leave something as a token to the coming generation,” Ishioka said. “So I thought of the drum.”
By profession, Ishioka runs a construction company and has already visited Nepal on five occasions. Praising Nepal, he said: “whenever I go back to Japan, I know I feel like I should return here.” The group performs in a specially designed dress. The red signifies the Fuji Mountain, according to Ishioka.
It was indeed a good opportunity for me to witness the performance which was amazing and praiseworthy.
