Shiraume Taiko Drummers
The few holidays after New Year’s is vital to Tokyo’s shopping districts and department stores do their best to lure customers with sales, bargain bags and performances! La Foret, one of the premier youth fashion department stores in the world put up this performance by the Yushima Tenjin Shiraume Taiko group (湯島天神白梅太鼓), which has to be one of the most beautiful taiko drum groups in the world! It was packed with people already before they started but somehow I managed to wriggle my way to the front where I crouched down (so as not to bother the people behind me) and go these pictures. They were just as fantastic as they look!
The contrast between these smiling, enthusiastic young women and the frowning fashion model on that banner in the background is almost funny! It’s like they don’t have to work so hard to look good, and they’re having fun as well. Great photos!
Thanks! I agree, it just goes to prove how silly the whole thing with fashion really is! Or maybe I’m wrong and frowning really is cool?
That’s what I need: a BIG drum. Put my whole body to work at once.
Those women are glowing with health and cheer!
They really are! I have many friends who do play this and they all love it! (^-^)