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| Hustle and bustle abounds as display vehicles are ushered out of Toyota’s Tokyo headquarters lobby to make way for auditorium seating and a stage with a floor-to-ceiling glass window backdrop. July 30 has arrived, and with it the Toyota Lobby Concert |
Booths and displays enhanced the festival theme while also promoting local goods from the Tohoku region, which is still feeling the impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting tsunami. While concert tickets were free to all applicants, sales of Tohoku crafts at the booths gave concertgoers a chance to contribute to the recovery of the stricken region.
As the sun set upon the greenery outside the windows, drum troupe Bonten provided the crowd with some quality rhythmical performance with all the flavor and cheer of a summer festival, complete with dancing and audience participation. The crowd was swayed by Bonten's emotional rhythms and passionate performance, singing along and drumming in the air.
Building on the bright grins and overflowing energy of these young women and their chaperone, Masaki Nakamura followed on with the ethereal whistling of the Japanese-style flute, the shakuhachi. The emotive performance included such well-known tunes as "Amazing Grace."
The final performance came from percussionist Sayaka Nojiri, providing a western influence featuring the pert tones of the xylophone-esque marimba. After a break from the music during which the crowd were given time to mingle and peruse the stores, it was time for something exceedingly rare.
While a collaborative performance of traditional Japanese drums and shakuhachi may not be unusual, throw the exotic marimba into the mix and you have a unique experience. Rounding off the concert, a final jam session brought all the evening's performers together in a fusion of musical talents. The all-natural wooden frames and animal skins used in the Japanese instruments blended effortlessly into the natural wooden blocks of the marimba--an instrument that includes both African and Mexican origins. It was a magical experience for all present and completed the evening with a symbolic spirit of cooperation.
About Toyota
Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.
Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Tel: +81-3-3817-9926
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