Days of Being Wild- 阿飞正传

Some time ago, I was asked this question,

".....Why Joo Chiat? What you do like about Joo Chiat?....."

I guess, it is probably the feelings from the movie ~Days of Being Wild- 阿飞正传~ that lingers on, even til now.

Watch this clip, and pay attention around the 40th second, the transition from a fast-walking to a slow-motion Leslie Cheung. It is like the portrayal of a city dweller walking into an area where time slows. And that is the relaxed feel I get whenever I jalan jalan around Joo Chiat.

Joo Chiat Square

This is one shot that allows you to look at the entire scene without being a "head-turner".

Taken at Joo Chiat Square

Joo Chiat Place - Random Shots

Taken along Joo Chiat Place

Japanese Culture Part 3

Community Music Fiesta – Japanese Instrumental Music & Japanese Cultural Fair

A)JAPANESE TRADITIONAL MUSIC

SHAKUHACHI

"Shaku-hachi" means "one foot eight" (about 55 centimeters), the standard length of a shakuhachi. Other shakuhachi vary in length from about 1.3 shaku(feet) up to 3.3 shaku(feet). (The longer the shakuhachi, the lower their tone.) Although the sizes differ, they are all still referred to generically as "shakuhachi". Shakuhachi are usually made from the root end of Madajke bamboo and are extremely versatile instruments. They were used by ex-Samurai monks who became Zen Buddhists and practiced SUIZEN(blowing meditation). It has a soulful sound. Shakuhachi can convey a great range of emotions due to its rich tones and the skill and subtle movement of the players.

TAIKO　

The Taiko is a percussion instrument and has been an important instrument since ancient times. Taiko was originally used for various festivals, prayers, ceremonies etc. There are different types of Taiko and various ways and styles of playing them. Nowadays there are modern types of Taiko performances and it is getting more popular not only in Japan but in the world. Taiko is not just about music, but it is regarded as a performing art and a port also.

KOTO

The Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument derived from the Chinese zither (Guzheng). The most common Koto is about 180 centimetres (71 in) long and has 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the length of the instrument. Players can adjust the string pitches by moving these bridges before playing, and use three finger picks (on thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings.

B) PLAYERS　(* 3-10 players for each session)

UENO Koshuzan　

Shakuhachi(Japanese Bamboo Flute) Master / Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange

Ueno Koshuzan started playing the shakuhachi at the age of 14. He first learned Japanese Minyo (folklore) shakuhachi and then entered the Tozan Ryu Shakuhachi School (head-quarters in Kyoto). Tozan Ryu is the largest Shakuhachi guild in Japan founded by Nakao Tozan in 1896.

He was given the title of Master player ‘Dai – Shihan’ status from Tozan Ryu. He learned to play the shakuhachi from Master Yagi Kozan and later from Japanese living treasure Yamamoto Hozan.

He is the only shakuhachi master living in Asia outside of Japan. He is based in Singapore, and he has played the shakuhachi in many countries, and performed as a soloist with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) and performed at WOMAD. He has been lecturing music at NTU/NIE, and hundreds of his students have become teachers at primary and secondary schools in Singapore after graduating from NTU/NIE with the knowledge of Japanese music.

Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs designated Ueno Koshuzan, as “Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange” to promote the appreciation of Japanese culture in other parts of the world. The program also includes activities to build and strengthen networks among cultural specialists in Japan and overseas. Ten individuals, including Ueno Koshuzan, and five groups were newly designated as “Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange” this year.

Ueno Koshuazan, as Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange, will hold live performances of Japanese traditional instruments and workshops at primary and secondary schools, and polytechnics in Singapore as well as local community centres from February to April 2009. Through these activities, he will introduce Japanese traditional culture and classical music to Singaporean society.

Namiko SAKAI

The Leader of TENKO (Taiko Drummer)

Namiko SAKAI set up TENKO with her family and gradually increased the group members. As the leader of Tenko, she has been leading the group actively performing Japanese Taiko at various occasions as well as promoting Taiko by conducting workshops at schools and organizations. She has been performing with other instruments, and with various groups including People’s Association Youth Chinese Orchestra and Singapore Philharmonic Winds.

HASHIDA, KOBORI, TOYOHASHI, NAGAIE

Japanese Association Singapore, KOTO group (Koto Player)

Since their debut at the Japanese Cultural Society’s annual Festival in 1994, JAS koto Group has been invited to perform at various events, especially educational and community events. With members coming from the various schools of Koto music such as the Ikuta-ryu and the Ymada-ryu, these koto enthusiasts hope to promote cultural exchange through the appreciation of their chosen instrument’s soothing traditional music.

LIAN, CHUA, LIM

Shakuhachi Ensemble (Shakuhachi Player)

The Tozan Ryu Singapore Shakuhachi Ensemble was formed in 1995 with Master Koshuzan Ueno as the ensemble teacher. The current ensemble has more than 10 members including 5 active players. They have been performing with Koshuzan UENO for various events such as Hokkaido Tohhoku Matsuri Concert in the Esplanade together with The Fukunone Trio in December 2005.

Information supplied by: Joo Chiat Youth Executive Committee