Ninety two years old and still going strong, Rokurou Takada - affectionately known as Roku-san - is a local insitution. Roku-san used to be the only active player of the traditional Taiko drum in the area - now the local Yotei Daiko drumming troupe he created boasts more than 200 members. Roku-san shares a truly spiritual bond with the Taiko and Eriko Mentzos was lucky enough to hear about it from the man himself.

When did you start playing the Taiko?

When I was still in my mother’s stomach. My family’s religion is the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. While we chant a sutra, we play a fan drum. So I always heard those rhythms when my mother was chanting, and probably drumming in her stomach!

What is the best thing about the Taiko?

Well, people say I am too crazy about it but I just love it! I could overcome anything because the Taiko was always with me and encouraged me in a great way. I think I forget everything while I’m playing. Now I go to schools, and teach Taiko to children. I’m so happy to see them enjoying themselves. Taiko is a simple instrument – anyone from a child to an adult - even an old one like me - can play the Taiko. Four generations of my family now play the Taiko. Isn’t that great?

Do you ever get tired after playing the Taiko?

No, not at all. I never get tired from playing the Taiko. I get energy from that. People tell me my hands are moving even when I am sleeping.

How many members are there in your group?

We have over 200 members in this town. But it wasn’t big from the beginning. I used to play by myself. I brought my Taiko to many events and played. In summer to cheer baseball teams, in winter to cheer skiers in competitions. My children didn’t like me doing that. They said they were ashamed. But I kept doing it and over time my children came to understand my passion. They started to play the Taiko with me, and now we have so many people encouraging us to continue.

How much does a Taiko cost?

It depends on the size and who makes it... but ours were about ¥25 million ($250,000) for 60 drums (about $4000 each!). And that was about half price!

Is there any meaning behind the rhythms?

Yotei Daiko’s ‘Arashi’ is about people climbing Mt Yotei during a storm, then seeing a beautiful sunrise at the end. Niseko Renzan describes Niseko’s scenes - starting with peaceful nature in spring, then festivals in summer, skiing in winter, then thinking about the approaching spring. We’ve been working on a new one called ‘Daichi’ (the earth) for about 10 years. It’s almost ready. We’re practicing it now.

Do you have any big plan with Taiko?

Well, we would like to do Sennin Taiko (drumming with 1000 people) when I turn 95 years old. I will be 93 soon in March. So 95 is not so far from now.

What are your top three tips for visitors to Niseko?

1 I think everyone should try the Taiko. Like I said before, it’s a very simple instrument. There are some events you can actually try our taikos.
2 As you know, Niseko gets great snow in winter. So I would like everyone to enjoy this wonderful snow while they are in Niseko.
3 The colours are amazing here in autumn. Many people from all over Japan visit to see Niseko’s autumn. I would like many people to come back in autumn

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