At the Perth Japan Festival this year, one special instrument was played at its opening ceremony.
A Yidaki - or didgeridoo - decorated with Japanese traditional lacquer- Urushi, was gifted to the Japanese community from the University of Aizu in Fukushima, as a token of appreciation to the many years of support since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
And given the honour to play the instrument was Yoshitaka Saegusa aka Sanshi, a Japanese contemporary Yidaki player based in Fremantle in Western Australia.
Sanshi has been actively involved in charity work, especially after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.
Sanshi playing the Urushi-Yidaki at Japan Festival, Perth Source: Julius Pang Photography
His involvement has made him realize that “music is a powerful tool in creating positive steps in helping others” and "gives new meanings to (his) music."
He says that the Urushi-Yidaki, "was absolutely beautiful, and a symbol of friendship between Australia and Japan".
This beauty also extended to its sounds, through the thicker wall and less air leakage due to the lacquer, he says.
Sanshi first heard the sound of Yidaki on the radio in 1997 and was taken aback by its beautiful sounds. He was even more surprised when he learnt that the instrument was produced naturally.
It did not take long for him to be drawn into the world of Yidaki, and his passion took him to Arnhem Land - the home of Yidaki in 2013.
Here, Sanshi was warmly welcomed by the Yidaki master, Djalu Gurruwiwi and his family, such that he was given the name Malarra Yunupingu.
One of Sanshi's treasured Yidaki, made together with the Gurruwiwi family during his visit to Arnhem Land Source: Sanshi
“I was totally surprised, but realizing the deep meaning behind it, I was overwhelmed," he said.
Larry Gurruwiwi, is the son of Djalu Gurruwiwi.
"When people come to my Country, to learn and understand our culture, and to feel our Country, people are always welcome regardless of colour," he told SBS Japanese.
"That's what my father taught. Our culture is still alive and connected.
"We always share our knowledge and wisdom."
Today, Sanshi plays not only as a solo artist but collaborates with various artists ranging from Japanese taiko drums to world-roots bands, to electronic music producers.
He's realizing the infinite possibility of the Yidaki. 
He runs “Digeridoo Breath”, a Yidaki shop and teaches the instrument both in-person and online as well.
Sanshi collaborates with Japanese taiko drums Source: Julius Pang Photography
This month he embarks on a tour of Sydney Schools for Musica Viva, as part of the Eastwind band, teaching children to express their experiences through music.
Sanshi says, while never forgetting to respect the Aboriginal culture, he will continue to search how he can uniquely express himself through Yidaki, and Japanese culture as well.
Collaboration with music producer, Byron Keno, Planet Aligned Source: Sanshi
