Madison, Wisconsin plays Host to 22 Delegates from Chiba, Japan in ongoing Cultural Exchange Program 

Madison, Wisconsin – October 3, 2007 -
17 years ago, Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Chiba, Japan Governor Takeshi Numata signed a sister-state agreement between our State and Chiba, Japan intended to increase educational and cultural exchanges between the people and institutions of our two states. October 5-12, 2007, volunteer families in Madison, Wisconsin will once again house and host 22 esteemed cultural exchange visitors from Chiba.

Through the combined efforts of Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin Chiba, Inc., Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Madison Area Technical College, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and the University of Wisconsin, a schedule of events has been designed to foster this mutual understanding between our two cultures. Planned events will include a free-to-the-public performance by Chiba’s Taiko Drummers on Saturday, October 6th at 12:00 noon outside the State Historical Museum off the Capitol square in downtown Madison.

The origin of Taiko is one shrouded in ancient history but is believed to have been a form of communication. Derived from the Japanese word “taiko” (tye-koh) or drum, it has been used in battle as military music. Massive in size, the drums could sound a loud “boom” that echoed across the expanse of a battlefield to give courage to the samurai warriors and strike fear in the hearts of the enemy. The taiko was also used to determine the boundaries of the village—a village was as large as the booming sound of the drum would carry. The Japanese also used and still do use Taiko in Kabuki theatre to accompany singers and actors.

Chiba’s drummers, ranging in age from 9 to 62, will also participate in residence activities in local schools. Additional educational sessions and performances have been scheduled at Madison Area Technical College, Cherokee Middle School, O’Keeffe Middle School, Country View School in Verona and Dodgeville School.

Since 1990, Wisconsin-Chiba, Inc. exchange program has continued to strengthen bonds of friendship, understanding and cooperation between diverse cultures which has led to commercial, educational and artistic benefits for the people of Wisconsin and Chiba Prefecture. 

For further information, please contact George Tzougros at george.tzougros@wisconsin.gov