Haere Mai Taiko World Cup Experience

We have had an amazing journey with the team Japan for the Rugby World Cup!  As most of you know and some of you saw, we were on the rugby field drumming before the matches started. It was truly a great experience for the team and we are proud to be able to show our support in this way.  (Unless you are part of the Rugby World Cup and have the special accreditation, you are not allowed to walk on to the field.) We’ve observed and experienced chaos along the way getting bewildered by disorganised and confused staff.  For example, we did not have the correct passes to enter and unload the taiko drums and that took us two hours before we were given permission.  A lot of running around and waiting made us very anxious.  By the second performance, we learnt to prepare ourselves for the worst but also to prepare the staff at the next venue by contacting the representative, directly giving him the information he needed to receive us.  This helped hugely. 

One of our precious moments was when we were sharing a changing room with the NZ Choral. As we were getting ready, the conductor asked us if we wanted to hear the Japanese national anthem and NZ anthem.   We said, “Yes” and it lifted our spirits and warmed our hearts as we went on to the field. When we finished they greeted us with huge applauds and cheers.  We returned the same when they returned from the field.

We stayed at a holiday park to save money but even when we booked the accommodation in May, the option was limited and expensive. The RWC NZ gave us the bare minimum to cover the costs and we spent it frugally to keep it within the budget.  It was a fun experience to stay with the team over night as we got to know the people better.  There was much laughter and excitement that the team experienced together. 

Those who saw us may have noticed we have a new costume!  They were designed and sewn by the team members.  Kiku’s (our life member) hands became rough again but she had fun spending time with young team members who came to sew. 

Where to from now?  Well, we are planning for a concert in the summer time and a possible trip to Gisborne to kick-start another Taiko group there!  Albert san is the team & NZJS photographer and he has been taking amazing photos for us.  If you are in need of professional photos for a special occasion, please give him a call!

Kumiko Imai-Duxfield 

Haere Mai Manager