"Knowing other artists help me understand my playing," a Japanese drum player finds his music in multicultural Australia

Ryuji Hamada, a Sydney-based Japanese taiko (drum) player, started his career in Australia 10 years ago. This month, he is making an appearance on a stage 'Chi Udaka' as a member of a professional taiko group TaikOz to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney-based Japanese taiko (drum) musician Ryuji Hamada (centre) performing on stage 'Chi Udaka'. Credit: TaikOz

Sydney-based Japanese taiko (drum) player, Ryuji Hamada. Credit: SBS

Mr Hamada had been playing taiko before he came to Ausralia. While playing taiko in Australia, he encountered many occasions to reconsider his definition of taiko and think about his playing style again.

"One of the most wonderful things in Sydney is that you get more opportunities to work with artists from different genres and backgrounds. The process of understanding their art helps me to understand my own playing," Mr Hamada said.

In the audio, Mr Hamada talks about his 10 years in Sydney, differences he encountered, and the upcoming stage 'Chi Udaka' at the Sydney Opera House.

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