One of the features of Mt. Fuji Drum Festival is that it attracts drum groups not only from Gotemba, but also from around Shizuoka prefecture and all over Japan.
Since the festival first started, many famous groups have joined, and the dynamic sounds of the drums fascinate whoever chooses to visit and participate. Every year, around 5-10 local groups participate and are consisted of people who love drums, regardless of their age, sex, creed or handicap.
Another feature of this festival is the contest for the most powerful drummer to play the biggest drum in Japan, 'Yamato'. Since the contest began, people have been competing to be the most powerful drummer. The Japanese Drum 'Mt Fuji' was introduced at the eighth annual festival. This drum, made by the Mt. Fuji Renaissance Association, has a height of 3m77cm and weighs 2.5tons and has become the symbol of the festival. Every year, more and more people take an interest in this contest and in 1998, no less that 37 players joined in.
Besides the above two big features, rock bands, jazz bands and brass bands have sessions with the Japanese drum groups and they create special effects at the festival. |
