-By Kim Parnell-
After captivating audiences across the globe, Japan’s incredible DRUM TAO returns to Australia for the first time in fifteen years, with its most breathtaking production yet.
This powerful performance fuses the ancient, thunderous energy of taiko drumming with the athletic precision of martial arts, world-class choreography, and cinematic staging — delivering flawless production values that showcase contemporary Japanese excellence at its finest.
Proudly presented by Rokitz Entertainment, DRUM TAO – Samurai of the Drum transcends borders and redefines live performance. More than a concert, it is one of the theatrical events of the year — a high-impact spectacle of artistry, intensity, and passion that leaves audiences exhilarated and deeply inspired. With its dynamic energy and universal appeal, this extraordinary production promises a thrilling experience for audiences of all ages.
A few weeks ago, I caught up, via phone, with lead performer Taro Harasaki who is a professional Japanese taiko drummer who performs with his troupe both in Japan and internationally. When I called Taro, he was on tour in Northern America and I’m not going to lie, the reception was terrible, but we persevered.
The performer was born in Japan in the countryside of Saga Prefecture, on the north-west side of Kyushu, which is Japan’s southernmost main island. He started his drumming career later than most, at the age of 25.
“Many of the other performers have been playing from about 5 or 6 years old and when they were younger, would have been playing in a local amateur Tiger troupe in Japan”.
Taro has performed with DRUM TAO since he was 25 years old, so for more than 20 years.
DRUM TAO has been described as a powerful blend of tradition and contemporary performance and was formed more than 30 years ago by founder Ikuo Fujitaka who was looking for a more modern way to entertain people.
Taro says, “It’s not just a concert, it’s an entertainment show. There are so many Japanese troupes, both amateur and professional, some of them are playing taiko drum in a classical way, but our drum style is quite different. Each show is full of enjoyment, happiness, excitement, and energy.”
The show is titled Samurai of the Drum. The spirit of the samurai, in this production, goes beyond the physical strength and precision that people see on stage.
Taro says, “The costumes, the choreography and the music are spectacular. We try to keep that kind of samurai mindset which Japanese have used for centuries. Like being well-disciplined and respecting each other.
“In the show, the music, we play on stage is composed by cast performers which is very inspiring. We hope audiences can feel the Japanese nature or culture through our performance and music.”
Taiko drumming is as much physical as it is musical. The training can be quite demanding for the performers. Yet at the same time they learn to get into a rhythm.
Taro explains,
“The cast performers, about 40 of them, are all living together in a huge place, located in the south part of Japan called Oita Prefecture, the region is very well known for its green mountains, countryside and hot springs.
“We don’t have any huge petrol stations or 24-hour convenience stores around our base; it’s in the country. Some people say that we are living at the edge of civilization.
“We wake up together at 5:30 am and start exercising. We might be running the trails outdoors or doing other forms of physical training. Where we live, It’s something like 800 metres from sea level. So, running itself, is quite tough, as the oxygen is not so thick.
“We practise every day more than 10 hours a day when we are at the base. After the running or muscle training in the morning, we beat the drum for one hour without a break. After lunch we start the training and practise again or we rehearse for the next performance, or work on choreography or music, especially when we are learning a new production.
“Teamwork is particularly important. We spend a lot of time together. We work together, eat together and practise together and perform on stage without a conductor. We have to see each other and listen to each other. There is nothing more important than teamwork.”
Audiences around the world respond emotionally to DRUM TAO even without understanding the language or cultural background. Drumming connects us universally. Taiko drumming has emotional and non-verbal power and moves audiences around the world.
Taro says, “It’s very interesting that even in North America, when we perform for the audience, right after our performance, we could see some people in the audience crying.
“People say that the beat of the taiko drum sounds like a mother’s heartbeat from the womb. People can feel nostalgic, when they feel the beat of the tiger drum or when they hear the sound of the tiger drum.”
As mentioned earlier, it’s been 15 years since DRUM TAO last performed in Australia. Taro says they are really looking forward to coming back.
Taro continues,
“We made some friends in Australia on the last tour, so, it will be great to see them.
“I do believe that many Australian people will see us for the first time on this tour. But I just want to say, please come out to see our performance, especially if you are struggling with something in your daily life, forget about the day-to-day routines, just come out to our show for a night of pure entertainment, it will be a huge show and we can’t wait for you to see it!”
“The world’s most electrifying percussion ensemble returns – louder, faster and more visually stunning than ever” – Broadway World
“No other troupe matches DRUM TAO’s fusion of martial discipline, athletic choreography and sheer sonic impact” – The Japan Times
“It’s not a concert. It’s a ritual. DRUM TAO makes 400-year-old drums feel like the pulse of tomorrow” – CBC Arts
DRUM TAO – Samurai of the Drum
Wednesday, April 15 – Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, Maryborough
7.30pm – Bookings: (07) 4122 6060
Bookings: www.brolgatheatre.org
