It was a windy and rainy night out along Wynford Road but inside the beautiful Japanese Cultural Centre all was tranquil and calm. As I looked around, I couldn’t help thinking about the time my family had visited the centre back in the sixties, while it was in its original incarnation. We’d watched a tea ceremony and the whole visit had been truly memorable. This visit to see Nagata Shachu & Chikiri marked my mother’s and my return to a space of serenity and beauty that we’d never forgotten.
The show itself took place in Kobayashi Hall which was built in 2004, but the larger centre is home to a variety of functions, classes, displays, a gift shop, and is well worth a visit.
Formed in 1998, Nagata Shachu has collaborated with a variety of other musicians including other like-minded taiko ensembles and the Toronto Tabla Ensemble rooted in North Indian musical tradition. I had only seen them on their own, so I awaited this show eagerly. I had little knowledge of Chikiri beforehand but had no idea how very special this night would be.
photo credit: david ohashi
Chikiri is a Washington-based family, originally from Japan, consisting of Ringtaro Tateishi, his wife Asako Tateishi and their14 year-old son Sohshun Tateishi In one word, they were spectacular! They have a unique flair which was fascinating to watch as it complemented Nagata in every sense.
Ringtaro is powerful on drums, while delicate on shinobue flute, and it was hard to take one’s eyes off his wife, Asako Tateishi, who played a mournful shamisen (3-stringed lute) and taiko drums. Her fluid and dramatic movements revealed an exquisite talent. Their son Sohshun is a taiko wunderkind who undoubtedly has a great future ahead of him. Their matching bright costuming of red, green, gold, yellow, black and white contrasted strikingly with the darker tones of Nagata.
photo credit: david ohashi
As always, Nagata Shachu was a marvel to watch. Performing masterfully that night were ringleader Kiyoshi Nagata, Aki Takahashi, Akemi Akachi, Tony Nguyen and Kayo Homma-Komori. Master Kiyoshi was in top form on drums and flute. Akemi, Tony and Kayo played taiko drums with power and precision. Aki Takahashi, who normally plays the shamisen (three stringed lute) with Nagata Shachu, gave the floor to Asako for one night, but she did treat us to some of her signature vocal delights, in addition to her steady drumming.
photo credit: david ohashi
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The program was made up of pieces performed exclusively by Chikiri, and some solely Nagata, while others combined both companies. Colourful graphics projected behind the performers, were a bit of brilliance. Favourite pieces included Arashi No Naka E (Into the Storm), Sankaku and Mitsu Uchi. Nagata Shachu can hold its own under any circumstances, but the blending of these two fine companies was a feast for the eyes and soul. Here’s hoping this relationship will flourish and develop even more.
photo credit: david ohashi
