Home again, home again, one two three.

It's been a while, but now feels like the perfect time to pick up the blogging reins again.
The good people of Wai Taiko have just returned from our three-week trip to Japan, to celebrate the group's ten-year anniversary! (We went to Japan to celebrate. Coming back was not the bit to get excited about. Just thought I'd clear that up.)

Japan was amazing. And hot. And inspiring. And enlightening. But mostly hot. Really, really hot.

For most of us, it was our first visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, but there was no time for culture shock. We were essentially thrown in the deep end and told to swim or sit on the bottom and sulk, so we broke out the doggy paddle and didn't stop. Three weeks continuously on the go: drumming, walking, workshopping, performing, watching other people performing, eating, sleeping, travelling, dying of heatstroke... it was full on. Culture shock is for the weak.

Speaking for myself, I returned to New Zealand completely amped about taiko and my place in that worldwide puzzle. The people we met and drummed with were so awesome, and every workshop I did fair set my head alight. I felt no urge to put the fire out either, as unhealthy as that sounds. Let's hear it for wobbly metaphors.

Now, back in New Zealand, I can't stop thinking about it. I want to improve on my control and speed for shime, my technique on fue, and I want to have a go at writing my own songs. In short, I want to push myself a little further than I have been; I want to improve.

I dearly hope I'm not alone in that.

Last Wednesday's practice - the first night back for me - was really good. We messed around with a few rhythms to begin with and moved on to practicing some of the new bits and pieces we learned on our travels, followed by the resuscitation of a few old pieces. I'm sore now, I must have done good.

The Japan trip is not something I'll forget in a hurry. So many intense, hilarious or otherwise memorable moments, and so much food for thought when it comes to drumming!

Go team. Wai Taiko World Tour 2020?