YAMATO The Drummers of Japan / Hinotori The Wings of Phoenix
Freesheet
The dawn is beginning to break again.
Now is the time to get up.
We have not been defeated
Even though we hit the mountain that rises high
Even slipped and fallen into deep valleys
We’ve gotten back up again and again
Just when we began to over-confidently believe that we could go anywhere
Under the sky, on the Earth
We were confronted by the biggest mountain I’d ever seen
We sank into a valley deeper than any valley I’ve ever slid down
In the shadow of the huge mountain
In the darkness of the pitch-black valley floor
We were swallowed up
Despair and Hope
But we did not forget the sun that shone beyond
We continued to struggle and walk
And now we see the light again
Now is the time to rise again
Fly high
Firebird
Flying high, clothed in sunshine
We spread the wings of our burning souls
We are Phoenix
About YAMATO
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka. Since being founded in 1993 they have given more than 4,500 shows across 54 countries around the world. bringing with them a world of awe-inspiring rhythms and soul-stirring energy!
YAMATO’s performance is more than just a musical show – it’s an immersive journey that transcends boundaries of language and culture. With thunderous beats and dynamic choreography, YAMATO invites you to experience the universal language of rhythm, where every strike of the drum resonates with centuries of tradition and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. As the pulsating heartbeat of the drums fills the theatre, you’ll find yourself swept up in a whirlwind of emotion and excitement. From the powerful resonance of the taiko drums to the graceful movements of the performers, every moment is infused with a sense of wonder and exhilaration.
YAMATO’s performance isn’t just about spectacle – it’s about forging a connection between performers and audience, creating a shared experience that celebrates the richness of life.
There are more than 40 Taiko drums used throughout their stage shows, and all have different characters. For example, the largest drum called “Odaiko”, produced from a huge tree over 400 years old, and is approximately two meters in diameter and weighs 500 kg.
As an audience you will be engulfed in the sound of the Taiko, and become one with the performance to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience together.
Artistic Team & Credits
Director Masa Ogawa
Music Composer Masa Ogawa / Mika Miyazaki
Costume Designer Akiko Ogawa
Production Manager Chisako Ogawa / Satomi Ikeda
Technical Manager Marika Nito
Drummers Akiko Ogawa, Mika Miyazaki, Marika Nito, Jun Kato, Kenta Ono, Naoki Ekihiro, Nene Miura, Jo Nakamura, Daisuke Jonai, Tatsuya Iwaki, Genta Ogawa, Wakaba Sudani, Yumesa Tanaka
