BIG HIT IN JAPAN

Spectators usually hear the grunts and yells of competing martial artists at the Nippon Budokan, a national centre for martial arts tournaments in Japan. From 20 to 21 Nov 2010, however, the lively sounds of military bands and cultural acts filled the stadium during the 2010 JSDF Marching Festival.

Attracting sold-out crowds of about 40,000 people, the two-day festival featured more than 1,000 musicians from the JSDF, the United States Armed Forces stationed in Japan, as well as the SAF.

This popular event, organised by Japan's Ministry of Defence, is held every autumn to commemorate the anniversary of the JSDF's establishment.

Themed Ties and Unity, this year's event aims to enhance the bonds between the servicemen and the Japanese public, as well as strengthen the friendships among the bands and participating countries, explained Colonel (COL) Takayuki Onozuka, chairman of the festival's organising committee.

"Singapore's participation is something we have desired for a long time," said the chief of Public Affairs Office, Ground Staff Office in Japan's Ministry of Defence. "There are many different aspects in defence exchanges, from high-level and working-level exchanges to cultural exchanges like this festival. I hope we will utilise such exchanges to further deepen the relationship between Japan and other countries."

We've got rhythm

As the only guest band not based in Japan, the SAF Central Band was determined to put up an exceptional show for the audience. Accompanied by the vibrant colours and fluid dance routines of five members from the SAF Music and Drama Company (MDC), the band took to the stage with a specially arranged repertoire titled Singapore Symphony - A Celebration of Diversity.

Military Expert (ME) 1 Daniel Yiau, the display and music choreographer, explained that they often incorporate tunes from the host nation with songs that represent Singapore. "Japan is one of the powerhouses in the band scene, so we wanted to come up with a programme that meets their standards and also shows what being Singaporean is about."

An appreciative hush fell over the crowd as the SAF Central Band paid tribute to Japan with an emotional rendition of sentimental folk song Kojo no Tsuki (The Moon Over Ruined Castle).

The band grooves to the beat as they perform for their Japanese audience.

It's not just about the music: the band moves with precision to create formations of the word "Japan" in kanji.

Further adding to the festive atmosphere, the band jazzed things up by executing a dynamic fan display and creating formations of the word "Japan" in kanji (Chinese characters in the Japanese language).

Their zestful performance concluded with a showcase of Singapore culture through local classics like Singapore Town and Bunga Sayang ("Flower of Love" in Malay) and all eyes were on drum major ME1 Muhammad Hafis Bin Amron as he deftly twirled and hurled his mace high into the air.

Banding in harmony

The band's "Flower of Love" to the people of Japan was warmly received by audience members. Among them was Ms Atsuko Kiuchi, a freelance writer who has attended the marching festival 10 times.

"It was exciting and fantastic, a good combination of dance and music. I enjoyed the show very much, please come again for next year's festival!" she said with a smile.

Ms Yoshiko Fujimoto, who accompanied Ms Kiuchi to the show, agreed: "I really liked the music, and my favourite part was the band's performance with the red-and-gold fans!"

Such enthusiasm was echoed by fellow participants in the festival.

COL Akira Takeda, commmander and conductor of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Central Band, complimented the SAF Central Band on its "nice sound and good technique".

"They have a soft and rich sound. It is not so powerful, but very beautiful," he said.

Praising his counterpart's amazing mace-throwing skills, Staff Sergeant Christopher Martin, drum major of the United States Army Japan Band, added: "I love watching the Singapore band. Their sound is absolutely wonderful, and the overall performance of the band is truly spectacular."

For Lance Corporal Muhammad Siraj, it has been a memorable and eye-opening trip. Despite daunting language and cultural barriers in the beginning, music proved to be a common language for all the festival participants.

"It's my first time in Japan! It's a beautiful city and I've made a lot of friends," said the Full-time National Serviceman. "As musicians, we came to understand each other very quickly."

He added: "The shows have been a pleasure to perform. Everyone practised hard and all the hard work really paid off. At the end of the day, when the audience clapped, we felt really honoured!"

"I liked that they used the traditional fans and played Japanese music. It makes me feel the affinity between Japan and Singapore."

- Leading Private Miyake Yukari, vocalist from the the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Band Tokyo, on her impression of the SAF Central Band's performance