ICU Taiko Group to Perform in New York City

New York, NY - May 24, 2002 -- ICU Wadaiko, a taiko group comprised of students, alumni, and faculty at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan, will travel to New York City for three performances of "Wadaiko in New York" in June 2002. Performances are scheduled at the United Nations, The Interchurch Center, and Central Park and will include both traditional Japanese pieces and original compositions.

ICU Wadaiko provides both an auditory and visual experience, as the drumming and choreography translate emotion into rhythm. The sound and energy of taiko or wadaiko, a Japanese drum, is believed by performers to transcend individual differences, reaching to the human core. Professor Ryoko Mitsuhashi, a founder and one of the representatives of ICU Wadaiko, says, "This concert tour is an opportunity for the performers to respond constructively to the sad realities in the world today." Ms. Miwa Fukao, a student representative, says, "For me, playing wadaiko is first communicating with myself, and then communicating with others. Although there are various incidents in the world that make me tremble and feel confused, I believe that if we could face ourselves honestly and share our true feelings with others, that may lead us to further progress."

Three performances are scheduled:

June 26 - Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium, United Nations, 1st Ave at 46th St, 7:00-8:30 PM
June 28 - The Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Dr at 120th St, noon-1:30 PM
June 29 - Central Park, north end of Sheep Meadow near 72nd St, noon-1:30 PM

Admission to all venues is free. Admission to the United Nations is limited and requires confirmed reservations. For reservations or directions to performances, call 212-870-3386 or email info@jicuf.org

Support for the performances is generously provided by the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Consulate General of Japan in New York, International Christian University, the Japan ICU Foundation, Inc., the ICU Alumni Association, the ICU Alumni Association in the Americas, Japan Airlines Company, Inc., Tokyo Land Traffic Transport Company, Ltd., CPI Ltd, and Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. HASU CLUB.

Taiko or wadaiko, a Japanese drum, has an integral role in Japanese culture. Village boundaries were traditionally defined by the distance that wadaiko drums could be heard when played in the village center. At the same time, Professor Ryoko Mitsuhashi considers wadaiko today to be a new medium integrating mind and body and an educational tool for students to express their creativity.

Wadaiko was introduced to International Christian University in 1991. The group of students, alumni, and faculty has performed at annual ICU festivals on campus and has toured California, Massachusetts, and the Philippines. They have also held workshops and presentations at international conferences.

Background information: Founded in 1949, the Japan ICU Foundation, Inc. is a New York nonprofit organization supporting Christian and international programs at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. International Christian University is nonsectarian and welcomes students of all faith traditions and those who profess no faith. For more information about International Christian University, please visit the website (in English and Japanese), www.icu.ac.jp

Please direct all inquiries regarding this Japan ICU Foundation Project event, "ICU Wadaiko", to:

Ina M. Isobe, Assistant Director
Japan ICU Foundation, Inc.
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 439
New York, NY 10115-0439
Tel: 212-870-3386
Fax: 212-870-2696
Email: info@jicuf.org
Website: www.jicuf.org