The Asakusa Daiko at the Geisha Rehearsal Hall

The Tokyo-Edo Radio Project has been broadcasting radio programs over the Internet since 2009, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science, and Toyota Foundation.

Our programs drew the attention of the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and the idea of a co-operation between our two universities was born. This event will be the first joint production between the two radio stations. It is our hope that Meiji University and University of London School of Oriental and African Studies can conclude a co-operation agreement and expand our activities across the borders together.

One of our project members, Mr. Miyamoto Unosuke, will together with Ms. Kashima Kikuno - an Asakusa geisha - be in the spotlight as they demonstrate and perform the traditional Asakusa Daiko - the music and the instrument. This will be the first joint production between Tokyo-Edo Radio and SOAS Radio.

We hope you will come to enjoy it.

Itoda Soichiro
Professor,
Meiji Univ. School of Letters
Project Leader,
Tokyo-Edo Radio

This is a festive event - we all join to celebrate sound and music!

1. Greeting by Tokyo-Edo Radio
   
2. Greetings by SOAS Radio and Venice University
   
3. Talk on the Asakusa Daiko by Mr. Mochizuki Tazaemon XII
   
4. Asakusa Daiko performance by the Tokyo Asakusa Kumiai
   
5. Talk on the taiko drum by Mr. Miyamoto Unosuke
   
6. Interviews by SOAS Radio and Tokyo-Edo Radio
   
7. Question time

The Asakusa Daiko, composed by the late Mr. Mochizuki Tazaemon X in 1972 (Showa 47), was frequently on the repertoire of geisha playing in the zashiki around Tokyo (zashiki are Japanese-style guest rooms with tatami mats on the floor). In 1997 (Heisei 9), a new arrangement by Mr. Mochizuki Tazae II was performed on the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Asakusa Tourism Federation.

A new turning point came in March 2004, when the piece was performed at the "Mochizuki Japanese Classical Music Performance Festival" at the National Theatre of Japan, in the category of "hayashi" (a musical accompaniment of taiko drums, "kakegoe" vocals, flute etc.). It was a highly accomplished arrangement by Mr. Mochizuki Tazaemon XII. In order to continue the tradition, the "Asakusa Taiko Preservation Association" was inaugurated.

This time, we will be able to enjoy this arrangement, as well as a presentation by Mr. Mochizuki Tazaemon XII himself

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• Time: September 20, 2012, 13:00 - 15:00
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• Place: The Asakusa Kenban (Taito-ku, Asakusa 3-33-5)
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• Kenban (Rehearsal stage): See home page for further information (map available)
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• Fee: the event is free of charge
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• Inquireries: CONTACT US
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• Phone: 080-5654-7174 (Japanese and English)
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When walking from the Asakusa Ginza Line Station, the kenban is just "behind" the Sensoji Temple area, across the Kototoi Street, to the north of the temple.

Walking distances from nearby stations:

- Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express): 10 minutes

- Asakusa Station (Toubu, Touei, Ginza lines): 12 minutes

- Tawaramachi Station: 15 minutes