Life In Japan: Our 13th Wedding Anniversary

An amazing 13 years it’s been!

Yes, today is our wedding anniversary.

I first visited Japan in 2007, met Masumi in 2008, married her in 2012. It’s been a whirlwind of happiness since. We’ve traveled to over 20 foreign countries in Europe, North America, and of course Asia. And Masumi and I have explored the wonders of Japan together, from Hokkaido to Okinawa and every place in between.

Masumi still teaches music at a local elementary school, while I continue to write books, political articles and do what I can from here as a peace activist. I also do some songwriting and music productions here in my modest home recording studio.

Together we’ve seen two of her daughters married. The remaining single one lives here in Tambasasayama and we see her at least once a week — I’m teaching her English.

We also have been blessed with three adorable kitties: Arthur, Jennifer, and Sophie.

What is the lesson? I’d say it’s this: You’re never too old to dream and it’s never too late for dreams to come true!

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

Life In Japan: Our 13th Wedding Anniversary | John Rachel

Life In Japan: Taiko

Taiko is traditionally not the highly stylized drum performance we think of nowadays. Taiko actually refers to a wide variety of drums and approaches to rhythm embraced by Japanese percussionists, going back as far as the 6th Century.

However, in 1951 Daihachi Oguchi, a jazz-trained musician based in Nagano Prefecture, transcribed into modern notation several traditional Taiko pieces, adding his own touches. He formed his own ensemble — Osuwa Diako — and performed these modernized works. The new performance style, known as kumi-daiko, quickly grew in popularity, and soon many other ensembles formed and continued to popularize the musical form.

Taiko performances are common both in Japan and other parts of the world. We recently had such a performance at the castle grounds located in the heart of downtown Tambasasayama.

As a songwriter/music producer, I love taiko music! There’s the drama of the choreographed drumming making a riveting visual statement. But it’s the power and energy of the layered rhythms which most captivate me. The first layer is the towering tribal warrior beat which drives the entire performance. On top of that and weaved throughout are some very interesting counter rhythms. It’s impossible to stand still and not smile at one of these performances.

Hey! You want to really surprise your friends? Hire one of these taiko groups for your next birthday or anniversary party. A good time is guaranteed for all!

And you might make a new friend . . . like we did.

[ This originated at the author's personal website . . . https://jdrachel.com ]

Life In Japan: Taiko | John Rachel