JYC Members' Voices
A newfound love for taiko drumming: September with JYC by Ariunaa
After a jam-packed orientation in August, our first session in September began with discussions regarding misconceptions and general statements about Japanese society. This encouraged us to tactfully disagree and explain our reasoning, whilst taking into account counter-arguments. I enjoy debating but don’t get the opportunity to do it often and so would say that this has been my favorite part of the Japan Youth Collective. From there, we watched a video of comedian Yuriko Kotani joking about the differences between British and Japanese cultural stereotypes, such as attitudes to punctuality (as a British girl, I will admit I am often guilty of being late to things). We were then shocked to find out that “sushi terrorism”, where people interfere with Kaitenzushi (conveyer belt sushi), had made the headlines in Japan. Our shock allowed us to examine the different attitudes towards cleanliness in Japan and the UK, and the reasoning behind points that we made. Although this was our first catch-up session, it was filled with new opportunities to get to know everyone and connect through group presentations.
The second session in September was a taiko drumming one! I’d been looking forward to it since I heard we were doing it and it did not disappoint. It began with a demonstration from Tamashii Taiko and then we learnt the drumming techniques. Slowly but surely, we worked on drumming out a song together, adding more sections each time until eventually we were able to play the rhythm at a fast pace, switching drummers after each section. It was challenging but fun to have to balance playing the rhythm with such a fast turnaround and encouraged teamwork between the two groups as we had to rely on each other’s signaling to co-ordinate perfectly. Even though I turned up to this session feeling tired, it didn’t take long for the taiko drumming to energize me – I enjoyed every minute of it!
Both September JYC events brought us closer together whilst allowing us to develop individual skills and most importantly, have fun! I am looking forward to future sessions with my new friends.
September Reflections by Hana
Both September sessions in the Japanese youth collective were engaging, hectic and rewarding all in one.
Taking part in the debate task during the Catch-up session was fascinating as we debated on topics that we wouldn’t really be well-versed in considering we don’t live in Japan. But it was very interesting to hear opinions on Japanese society from an outsider's viewpoint as well as consider opinions on British society from a Japanese point of view.
The second September session was my favourite and most memorable session. In all honesty, I wasn’t really anticipating how difficult Taiko drumming would be. But it was fun as it required so much passion, rhythm and trust in the other drummers to keep up the tempo.
September Reflections by Ratna
This September, Japan Youth Collective participated in a taiko drumming session run by Tamashii Taiko, where we learned the art of traditional Japanese drumming. Together we learnt that Taiko is more than just making beautiful music emerge from a drum, but that it also requires energy, passion, and diligence. That session truly helped us bond as a group; we learnt the power of teamwork.
Throughout the programme Alys, Ameliah, and Becks have welcomed us all warmly, and it is thanks to their friendliness that the Collective was able to quickly form a genuine connection. My experience with Japan Youth Collective has been nothing but wholesome. In the few months I've spent with them, I've learnt to be more confident and unafraid. I know I'm able to freely express my opinion without worrying about judgement or negative criticism. If I could use one word to describe the Collective, it would be accepting.
