Kitaro’s annual August, ‘night of the full moon’ all-night Taiko (Japanese Drums) session will take place this year on 8/24 – 8/25. For those who might aspire to experience Japanese Taiko, on real, genuine Japanese drums, this will be an interesting, different, and exhilirating experience and opportunity to do so. It’s also a great opportunity to escape the doldrums of daily life, stress release, and to simply become one with nature, earth, and the beat of the drums. Best yet, this event, not very publicized, is totally free!
Links:
Event Information: English & Japanese
Gotemba Access map (Japanese)
Kitaro’s official music website English & Japanese
Impressions of West Lake 52nd Grammy Awards, Best New Age Album Nomination
I also have personal galleries from participation in last year’s 2009 event ( or here) as well as Kitaro’s 2007 all night taiko events. (For Best effect, view FULL SCREEN… Right / Left arrows for rapid rotation) I also posted VIDEO of the 2009 event as well.
For your convenience and based on my past experience in attending this event twice, I have prepared a checklist of items you may wish to consider bringing for personal convenience and as contingency for sudden, inclement weather changes:
- tent
- sleeping bag
- toilet paper
- flash light
- gloves, work type (hands will go sore without them)
- bachi (drum sticks, professional type)
- first aid kit (comprised of whatever you feel appropriate)
- plastic sheets (spread sheets like for picnics, at the beach, etc.)
- rain suit or parka
- lightweight jacket
- plastic garbage bags, large size
- camera / video equipment (related paraphenalia.. tripod, lenses)
- food / beverages, as you like.
This is not not necessarily an exhaustive listing, but a guideline. This will be an ALL NIGHT event so be forewarned! Also, since Mt. Fuji is a mountain, at 1/3 the way up the mountain, the weather could become unpredictable.
