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In celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Qatar, the Embassy of Japan Foundation and Katara bring you a truly captivating blend of contemplative tranquility and explosive emotion from Japan! A national treasure ofJapan, Hiroshima born Eitetsu Hayashi is one of the legendary Taiko drummers. He is a founder and lead performer of internationally renowned groups Sado Ondekoza and Kodo. Hayashi has originated a unique and emotive O Daiko (big drum) solo style, with his mesmerising sound spectacles leaping beyond traditional Taiko drum performances in technique, physical stamina and expressive range. In 1984, Hayashi made his Carnegie Hall début with the American Symphony Orchestra. Since then, his solo career has frequently taken him around the world and across five continents. Hayashi has appeared with top orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He is also the first Taiko soloist to have performed at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Hall. Hayashi receivedJapan's prestigious 47th Education Minister's Art Encouragement Prize in 1997 and the 8th Award for Promotion of Traditional Japanese Culture from the Japan Arts Foundation in 2001. "Each beat of the drum has to go deep. It has to arouse in the audience a boundless feeling, stretching back through time. What I am pursuing is a sound that embodies Nature, one that is both awe inspiring yet serene" – Eitetsu Hayashi