WASABI Fills the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre with Music in Celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations

On Oct. 2, the 500-seat Kobayashi Hall of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre was filled to capacity as the Japanese music ensemble WASABI gave a thrilling performance in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations. WASABI is comprised of Mr. Ryoichiro Yoshida on the three-stringed shamisen (the elder brother from the internationally celebrated Yoshida Brothers who first proposed starting WASABI); Mr. Hiromu Motonaga on shakuhachi flute; Mr. Shin Ichikawa on koto (Japanese harp); and Mr. Naosaburou Bihou on taiko drums. WASABI puts emphasis on their inventive combination of Japanese instruments which are rare according to traditional conventions. Their original compositions have been creating a new world of music with traditional Japanese instruments.  Guests in attendance were treated to an evening of enticing music which was at once both traditional and modern.