Discover Nikkei

https://www.discovernikkei.org/en/interviews/clips/861/

The philosophy of Matsuri Daiko (Spanish)

(Spanish) We have, on average, between 60 and 80 active members. Historically, I can tell you that we are around 400, more or less, [to] speak of some number. But, why has this number [of members] been maintained? Because logically, even though it is true [that] it is a way of life, it is also a hobby, and, therefore, each member has his or her own life, their own personal obligations, family obligations, work, school, but part of its philosophy of the group is something that is called gei on, which means to accept each person whole heartedly. This makes us [accept the notion] that the person who wants to enter [the group] should be welcomed, and that he or she should feel part of the family, but if for some reason he or she has to leave [the group] but then returns, they should not feel any different. The objective is not to try to stop members from leaving [the group] but instead feel sufficiently at ease to return to the group should circumstances allow it.


Date: September 14, 2007

Location: Lima, Peru

Interviewer: Harumi Nako

Contributed by: Asociación Peruano Japonesa (APJ)

Interviewee Bio

Akira Watanabe Osada was born on October 6, 1974, in Lima, Peru. His grandparents are Japanese immigrants who came to Peru from Fukushima Ken. An engineer, Akira is also director of the Peru branch of the Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Group. Founded in 1999, the branch grew out of the festivities commemorating Japanese immigration to Peru. Akira promotes the Okinawa eisa dance throughout the country. As a member of this group, Akira has performed quite often in Peru, which the most important of these performances have been the centennial celebrations marking Japanese immigration to Peru (1999), and the Centenary of Okinawense Immigration to Peru (2006). (September 14, 2007)

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