Derry schoolchildren unite in cross community Yūjō Taiko celebration at The Playtrail

School children from two Derry schools came together this week for a powerful celebration marking the end of Yūjō Taiko – Drumming Together, a six-month cross-community Japanese drumming project led by Foyle Obon and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund. Yūjō means friendship in Japanese.

The final event, held at The Playtrail in Derry, brought together the young people from the Fountain Primary School and Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir for an uplifting morning of music, culture, and connection.

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Highlights included a collaborative taiko drumming performance on the outdoor stage by the young participants, a traditional Japanese storytelling session by Masako Carey, and a Japanese cultural quiz trail through the forest, encouraging teamwork and cultural discovery.

The project ran from January to June 2025 and engaged 20 primary school pupils - 10 from each school - on a shared journey of rhythm, friendship, and cultural exchange. Weekly workshops introduced the children to the powerful Japanese art form of taiko drumming, supported by storytelling, games, and sessions exploring both Japanese culture and their own identities.

“The children have grown so much in confidence and joy through this project,” said Fiona Umetsu, founder of Foyle Obon.

“They’ve not only learned a new art form but built real friendships across communities. Seeing them perform together at The Playtrail, encouraging one another and having fun with new friends, was incredibly moving.”

The success of Yūjō Taiko builds on Foyle Obon’s decade-long work using taiko to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and peace through the arts. Plans are underway to secure funding to continue and expand the initiative.