Mr. Hayashi Eitetsu has been at the forefront of Japanese taiko music since its earliest days, when it first gained international recognition as world music. In the first part, Mr. Hayashi explained the traditions of Japanese Taiko and the originality of his newly created expression with demonstrations by members of the group known as Eitetsu Fuun no Kai.

The earliest use of the taiko is said to date back to the Kofun period (tumulus period), and in fact, haniwa clay figurines have been found holding drums and bachi (drumsticks). The drums used today were introduced to Japan in the 5th and 6th centuries along with Buddhism and gagaku, an ancient type of court music. During the Heian period, Taiko spread along with dengaku, music to pray for a good harvest in rice-fields, and in the Muromachi period, dengaku-hoshi, a form of singing and dancing while playing the taiko, became popular. Later, as large drums disappeared from Noh theater, the smaller tsuzumi drum appeared, and the art form was refined. During the Edo period, the Taiko was employed as an emergency signal in case of fire as the taiko’s frequency was long and effective, which allowed the sound to reach farther. Later, drums were used as sound effects in kabuki, another type of traditional Japanese theater, and were played offstage to accompany the movements of the actors.

It was not until after World War II that playing taiko was developed as a performing art. The influence of jazz music led to the creation of kumidaiko, a style of drumming in which many taiko drums are played side by side, but it was not widely practiced.

Set against this background of the taiko, Mr. Hayashi spoke about his own personal history. He began playing 51 years ago when he was studying at art school. He'd been playing the drum since junior high school and was invited to join a taiko team founded on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, where he ended up attending a rigorous training camp. He ran long distances every day, practiced self-discipline while studying traditional matsuribayashi festival music, and practiced a style of playing the large drums from the front. Then he eventually created a Taiko performing art that broke the mold with his powerful pieces for the stage. Since performing at the Boston Marathon's post-run event for the first time, he has performed with a numerous orchestras. When the group disbanded in 1982, he became a solo taiko player, unprecedented at the time. He has since further expanded his activities, including performing, composing and teaching.

Mr. Hayashi has shined a light on taiko, which used to play a minor role in performances, and has started "Eitetsu’s Taiko" while making the most of its traditions. His lecture gave great inspiration to the audience, who could witness the way he has pioneered a new art form and continue to take on challenges even after his 70th birthday.
 

The second part of the event featured a live performance by Mr. Hayashi and four members of the Eitetsu Fuun no Kai. The suite Mio no Hasu is a dramatic stage piece that could be described as a taiko drama created by Mr. Hayashi. It is the fourth of his grand works composed as suite music on the theme of artists who have influenced him. It was released in 2001 and is based on the life of Takumi Asakawa, a woodsman who loved the nature and culture of the Korean peninsula and passed away at the young age of 40. It is a commemorative work that has been performed not only on domestic tours but also on overseas tours.

For the public lecture, a special version of the suite Mio no Hasu was performed as a commemorative live performance. As Mr. Hayashi began to strike the large drum in the center of the stage, the venue was filled with a majestic atmosphere that echoed with the powerful sounds. The splendid performance by the Eitetsu Fuun no Kai created a magnificent world, while the beautiful lighting and shadows cast by the lights mesmerized the audience with a sacred and powerful performance. After the performance, many of the audience were on their feet and endless applause echoed throughout the hall.

In response to this rousing ovation, Mr. Hayashi once again took the stage and shared an experience of his teaching taiko to children for an art project in Ohio, USA, around 15 years ago. The performance closed with the song he had composed during that time.