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As part of the main venue event of the "3rd Japan International Art Festival" organized by the Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization, a Japanese drum performance "Japan International Art Festival ~Masaya EXPO 2025~" will be held on Friday, July 4th, 2025 at the Pop-up Stage South in the Osaka Kansai Expo site!
[Venue] 2025 Japan World Expo Venue Pop-up Stage South [Date] Friday, July 4, 2025 Doors open at 17:30, performance begins at 18:00 [Performers] Kenichi Masamoto x Wadaiko Masaya [Summary]
We will hold an original on-stage performance of "Kenichi Masamoto x Wadaiko Masaya," which combines the traditional Japanese instrument of the wadaiko with world folk music such as the folk instruments of the Andes of South America (quena, zampoña, etc.) and the keyboard percussion instrument (marimba) born in Africa and raised in America, to convey the power of the wadaiko and its appeal and potential to be fused with many genres. We will also hold a workshop where you can actually experience the wadaiko, starting with simple basic rhythms and ending with a rhythm ensemble with multiple people, providing a place where you can experience the fun of playing the instrument and feel a sense of accomplishment. We are also considering other plans that will allow you to experience the appeal of the wadaiko, a traditional Japanese instrument.
*An Osaka, Kansai Expo admission ticket is required to enter the venue.
Purchase tickets here ( Osaka-Kansai Expo ticket purchase site )
He started his performance career with the Kobe-based Wadaiko Matsumura Gumi, which has expanded nationwide, and currently leads the team as the group's leader. He has performed on over 1,000 stages both in Japan and overseas, and is highly regarded for his technical skills, planning skills, and leadership. In 2016, he established Wadaiko Masaya in his hometown of Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture. He continues to produce his own group, Wadaiko Masaya, and is active in solo activities, as well as planning and holding Wadaiko festivals around the country, which have been well-received. He also holds Wadaiko workshops and art appreciation events in many areas, spreading the appeal of Wadaiko and working hard to train the next generation of Wadaiko players, greatly expanding his activities.
A Japanese drum music group founded in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture in 2016. Under the supervision of Kenichi Masamoto, the original sound, based on the stage experience cultivated with the Wadaiko Matsumura Group and Japanese and international symphonic music, unfolds with the members' overwhelming performance skills and attracts many fans. Masamoto has also been involved in all performances, such as the Wadaiko Festival and Taiko Festival, which have been held every year since the group's inception, and has received high praise from all over the country. Centered in the Kansai region, the group has now expanded its base of operations to Toyooka, Himeji, Kyotango, Hokkaido, and other areas, spreading the appeal of Japanese drums, a traditional Japanese culture, while also carrying out activities that are rooted in each region. https://wadaiko-masaya.com/
Organized by the Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization (abbreviated as Yumeshima Organization), the mission is "Co-creation of Art, Design, Science, Technology and Economy - Communicating the Beauty and Spirit of Japan to the World and Creating the Future", and will be held for the same period of six months as the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which will see the participation of 158 countries and regions and seven international organizations, through a network that covers the Expo site, Kyoto, Kansai and the whole country. We will contribute to the creation of a virtuous cycle of culture, art, and the economy and society, and a well-being future where life shines.
Please come and visit the 3rd Japan International Art Festival, an international art festival being held on the occasion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
The 3rd Japan International Art Festival Official Website
With the mission of "Co-creation of art, design, science, technology and economy - conveying the beauty and spirit of Japan to the world and creating the future", the expo will be held for the same six months as the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which will see the participation of 158 countries and regions and seven international organizations, and will network with the Expo site, Kyoto, Osaka, Kansai and the whole country to contribute to creating a virtuous cycle between culture and arts, and the economy and society, and a well-being future in which life shines. We hope that the Osaka-Kansai Expo will serve as an opportunity to expand the circle of co-creation of diverse culture and arts, science and technology, and economy with countries around the world.
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