‘Wasabi, The Spirit of Japan: The Sound of Traditional Instruments’ at CCP Little Theater

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation Manila and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, invites everyone to the concert “Wasabi, The Spirit of Japan: The Sound of Traditional Instruments.”

 Wasabi is a traditional Japanese instrumental group composed of Ryoichiro Yoshida (Tsugaru-shamisen/three-stringed Japanese instrument), Hiromu Motonaga (Shakuhachi/Japanese bamboo flute), Naosaburo Biho (Taiko/Japanese Drum) and Shin Ichikawa (Koto/17-stringed Japanese harp).

The name “Wasabi” comes from combining wa which means “Japan” or “harmony” and sabi which means “the catchy part of the song.” Wasabi

shows that traditional music can also be cool and stylish. The group will certainly entertain the Filipino audience with their catchy melodies and compact structure, producing strong and dynamic music with traditional Japanese instruments.

Wasabi will be holding a master class on Oct. 18, Friday, 2 p.m. at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Admission is open to the public. This is part of Wasabi’s project to promote Japanese traditional culture to younger audiences.      

Wasabi’s one night concert will be held on Oct. 19, Saturday, 7 p.m. at the CCP Little Theater (Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino), Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay City.

For information on the master class, call 926-0026 or 981-8500 loc. 2639. For inquiries regarding the “Wasabi, The Spirit of Japan: The Sound of Traditional Instruments” show, call 551-5710 local 2311 or 2312.