A Japanese Traditional Music Concert & Dance Performance by Rakuyoza was held on September 23, 2017 at the SUK Banquet Hall. This was organised by the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan, co-organised by Perak State Government, Perak Malaysian-Japanese Friendship Society and the Japan Club of Ipoh.
This was the first performance for Rakuyoza in Ipoh and they were all so excited to perform in Malaysia. Mr Yusuke Kenmochi, leader of the group, Shamisen (3-stringed lute) player and singer together with Ms Mikie Yamaguchi started with “Oirase”, expressing the rapids and sometimes calm stream of Oirase river in Aomori with Tsugaru Shamisen. Mr Yoji Ueki, Wadaiko (Japanese drum with over 2000 year history) player fascinated the audience with his dynamic skill.
He also played “Sen” which means battle which he composed himself. Mr Daisuke Yoneya, Shakuhachi (Japanese vertical bamboo flute) player impressed the audience with his exquisite sound. This instrument is a difficult instrument to play as it takes about 10 years to master. Mr Soki Kobayashi, Minyo (Japanese folk song) dancer danced ‘Kurodabushi’ as a brave Samurai and also demonstrated ‘Aizubandaisan’ a very famous Minyo in Fukushima so that everybody could dance together.
They had one performance in Ipoh, two in Penang and left Malaysia after having mesmerized many people by their great and wonderful performances. No wonder, as all the members of Rakuyoza started singing Minyo or playing the instruments at the tender age of 1 to 10 years old! The concert was a big success reaching 13,000 people.
