Eitetsu Hayashi, the Grand Prize laureate of Fukuoka Prize 2022, an internationally active musician who has been constantly at the forefront of creative interpretations of taiko music, was presented with the 81st Chugoku Culture Prize sponsored by Chugoku Shimbun! 

This award is presented to an individual or organization associated with the Chugoku region in Japan that has made a significant contribution to the enhancement of culture, with achievements in the fields of culture, arts, academia and education.

The reasons for the award are that Hayashi turned solo after he founded the Taiko Performing Arts Group in 1981 established an unprecedented style as a solo performer; that he has performed with a wide range of performers around the world, including rock, jazz and folk musicians as well as overseas orchestras; that he has composed many original compositions, opening up a new world of Japanese taiko expression; and that he has been a pioneer in the development of the Japanese taiko style. He has also led the Eitetsu Fuun no Kai since 1995 and has devoted himself to teaching young taiko drummers.

Congratulations!

We would like to express our sincere congratulations for this prestigious award and wish his the best in his endeavors.