taiko drummers tour 2023 tokyo

MANGEKYO by DRUM TAO: Wadaiko drumming in Tokyo

One of Japan’s premiere taiko groups impresses at its own exclusive theater in Tokyo

Taiko drumming is something you have to hear - and see - in person to understand why it leaves so many in awe.

In the last several decades, the performance art known in Japan as wadaiko, literally meaning "Japanese drum," has become an iconic part of Japanese culture: huge thundering drums athletically attacked by muscular men wearing Edo Period outfits - or simply a loincloth for extra effect. Traditional taiko drums have been used throughout Japan for centuries, but a new modernization in the taiko world has catapulted the instrument from the esoteric rituals of Buddhist temples to the mainstages of international venues.

At just over 60 years old, even this relatively new artform is constantly evolving. And perhaps no other taiko group in Japan embodies the bleeding edge of "taiko" as a stage art more than the group DRUM TAO .

The first time I saw a video of DRUM TAO on the Internet, I was both impressed and a bit shocked. More often than not, taiko groups both in Japan and internationally generally approach their performance styles, costuming and staging in a way that evokes a mythos of taiko as an ancient, "traditional" artform.

Not so with Tao. Often clad in suits, black leather trench coats and elaborate, colorful costumes evocative of Cirque du Soleil in posters and teaser videos, gracing stages that seem more at home in a science fiction movie than your neighborhood temple, the group's members send a clear message: this isn't your grandfather's taiko.

With this image in mind, I was extremely curious to see Tao peform in real life.

At a venue called the Alternative Theater in Tokyo's Yurakucho neighborhood (not far from Ginza), the group stages a show they call MANGEKYO . With near daily performances, reasonable ticket prices, and signage and programs in both Japanese and English, it was clear that the group intended this show to be widely accessible.

Once the house lights dimmed, the show began with soft dancing lights all around the theater accompanied by a mysterious melody played on bamboo flute by a soloist in a flowing white gown. But it wasn't long until a loud boom reverberated across the room. Taiko drums never miss an opportunity to enter with a bang.

The group's members quickly arranged themselves with tight syncronization, dressed in stylish, Japanese-inspired but very modern outfits carrying portable okedo drums slung around their shoulders. The rhythms were fast, catchy and loud, but always in control. But perhaps even more striking was how they moved: always in sync and with the grace of trained dancers, but with a presence and confidence that really left an impression.

As the pieces changed, so did the stage. Custom-fitted with a projection mapping system, the theater itself became a part of the show, projecting images from crashing ocean waves to kaleidescopic shapes to a bamboo forest across the backdrop and walls. The digital art projections were designed by teamLab , an interdisciplinary group of artists and technologists behind popular exhibits such as "Borderless" in Tokyo's Odaiba and elsewhere around the world.

With almost every piece, the players' costumes changed as well, from hyper-futuristic asymmetric robes that seemed almost metallic, to silky dresses, to (as I'd eagerly awaited) spike-studded leather trenches. For particularly intense pieces, cast members weren't afraid to show off their muscles a bit, driving home just how physically demanding their performances were.

As the show continued, I was impressed to see that the cast didn't simply limit themselves to being a troupe of taiko drummers. Almost every member of the group had multiple talents they showcased on stage, from dancing to playing multiple instruments to incredible circus art performances.

The show bristled with restless energy and reveled in its fast-paced action and transitions.

When the 80-minute show finally came to an end, it was no surprise the audience quickly demanded an encore. Thankfully, the group was ready to deliver and pull out all the stops for their final number. Interestingly, audience members were actually encouraged to take photos and video during this short finale, which they readily enjoyed doing.

All in all, for me, MANGEKYO excitingly lived up to the "hype." The group doesn't apologize for its modern vision for taking taiko into the 21st century, but it also hasn't lost the heart of what makes taiko such a visceral, timeless, inspiring experience.

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Community Music Theater | Dance | Performance

Drum Tao Returns to Tokyo with “The Tao: Mugenkyo”

Feb 1, 2024-Feb 4, 2024・18:30-・Times vary, see website for details

Internationally renowned Japanese taiko drumming group, Drum Tao, makes a triumphant return, for a powerful live newly adapted and exclusively available to see only in Tokyo.   Following a sell-out world tour, Drum Tao is set to perform “The Tao: Mugenkyo” on the stage of Tokyo IMM for seven heart-pounding performances, bringing the Japanese drumming tradition to life in a way that only Drum Tao knows. 

The troupe has gained over 10 million fans worldwide and even performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

It’s difficult to describe a Drum Tao show — you can only understand it by seeing them perform live. Head down and get ready to be invigorated by the group’s percussive energy, as they drum their way through each kinetic performance.

Performance Schedule

Feb 1, 18:30 – ￥9,800 Feb 2, 14:30 – ￥11,000 Feb 2, 18:30 – ￥9,800 Feb 3, 13:00 – ￥12,000 Feb 3, 17:00 – ￥12,000 Feb 4, 12:00 – ￥12,000 Feb 4, 15:30 – ￥12,000

Read TW’s exclusive interview with Drum Tao .

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Best Japanese Drum “TAIKO” Experience in Tokyo: TAWOO

TAIKO workshop by TAWOO (GOCOO): The best cultural experience in Tokyo

There are numbers of cultural activities in Japan which tourists can have authentic yet unique traditional Japanese experiences such as Sumo practice watching, tea ceremony class and Ninja experience. If you want to dig yourself into deep Japanese culture and have a fun and exciting moment at the same time, playing Japanese drum (“Taiko” in Japanese) is one of the best ways! Join a fun and exciting Taiko workshop, TAWOO produced by the well-known Taiko performing group, GOCOO! Lose yourself in the beat and feel the power of Taiko with your body and mind!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Have you heard of Taiko??

Taiko is Japanese drum, one of the traditional instruments to creates Japanese folk music. Although the origin of Taiko itself came from outside Japan, after it was introduced to Japan through Korea and China in early 6th century, Taiko became one of the most important instruments to create the significant sound of Japanese folk music and traditional performing arts, and it’s been played for military action, theatrical accompaniment, and religious ceremony, etc for many centuries. Today, Taiko is most commonly played for traditional festivals as it creates the dynamic and powerful sound to boost up the excitements once people hear its sound.

Taiko is nowadays becoming a popular cultural attraction among foreign visitors as it’s one of the most remarkable and fascinating Japanese culture. And by listening to its powerful sounds, you can immerse yourself into Japanese folk music and feel deeply connected to Japanese history and culture through the rhythm and the strong vibration.

If you wish to explore the world of Taiko in Japan, one of the best ways is to watch live Taiko performance shows held at several locations in Japan by different organisations. You can enjoyed the powerful and groovy sounds of the drum as well as the dynamic and energetic movements of performers.

Or for more unique and immersive experiences, I’d highly recommend you to join one of the Taiko learning classes. Some of the performing groups in Japan open Taiko workshops for visitors to learn how to play Taiko and feel the excitements of the drum sounds directly by hands with no previous experience required.

TAWOO is a Japanese drum group who organises various activities related to Taiko such as Taiko class (TAWOO Taiko Dojo), performances, workshop and special program for children. TAWOO’s Taiko workshop is held occasionally at numbers of locations in Japan including Tokyo, and it would be the most accessible and convenient way to play Taiko for Taiko beginners.

I have recently joined a workshop in Tokyo hosted by TAWOO, and I’d like to share my first Taiko experience with my readers!

This time, the Taiko workshop was held at a venue in the east area of ​​Tokyo. The spacious practice room was situated at the basement of the building, and when I arrived there were sets of drums placed in a circular shape. It was a group lesson with over 20 participants from with men and women of all age including small kids, and most of us had no previous Taiko experience before!

As the class begun, each of us stood in front of the set of two drums (large and small) and a pair of drumsticks. The class was led by the teacher JERA who is a member of GOCOO, a well-known Japanese drum group who performs shows across the world, and a few other members to support the workshop. The lesson started off from simply tapping the drum by the drumstick (called Bachi in Japanese), and gradually making beats and rhythms with two drums by following the teacher who livened up and encouraged us to beat the drums using our whole body. I personally thought beating the drum was actually a really good relaxation for body and mind to release stress and concentrate, and as the drum sound vibrates, you can feel the sound through the body and feel connected.

The teacher instructed us not only how to create the drum beat but also how to make the dynamic movements, shouting out loud and posing while playing drums. We went through several different verses, and the atmosphere in the room was heating up and becoming very energetic. More we create the beats together, I really started enjoying the class more and also felt connected with other participants. As the time went by, I noticed everyone smiled and feeling the joy of playing Taiko from the bottom of hearts.

It’s one hour lesson, and we only started from beating the drum randomly, but at the end of the class, we put verses together and managed to perform one whole Taiko session. When we complete the last performance at the very end of the lesson, it was pretty overwhelming and we enjoyed a feeling of accomplishment.

Through the lesson, I really thought Taiko lesson was a great way to immerse in Japanese culture, but it also felt amazing creating a thing (drum performance) with others as a group from one simple beat.

If you wish to have an amazing TAIKO experience with TAWOO just like I did, please check the information about TAWOO and their upcoming activities and events below!

About TAWOO/GOCOO

TAWOO is a drum group produced by GOCOO, a Japanese drum group who performs shows across the world. GOCOO creates innovative and groovy “free spirit” Taiko performances beyond the style of traditional Japanese drum. The group was founded by Kaoly Asano in 1997 and has performed at numbers of major music and art festivals, events and concerts across the world over the past 20 years.

TAWOO was founded as a platform to provide a place for people to discover and experience together the way of Taiko and engage in a variety of activities through the activity. The Taiko classes of TAWOO is open to all: kids and grown-ups, old and young, men and women, and no experience is required.

More info about TAWOO: http://tokyo.tawoo.tv/?page_id=770 (English page)

Where to See the Taiko Performance Show

GOCOO has been touring and performing their energetic Taiko shows across the world including several cities in Japan. Here are up-coming events which GOCOO will be performing in Japan.

-Nezu-Sendagi Shitamachi Matsuri Date: 13 October 2019 (10:00–16:00) Venue: Nezu Shrine (Map: http://bit.ly/2oJjlvC )

-Takibi no Oto TAKIBI MUSIC FESTIVAL Date: 27 October 2019 (10:00–21:00) Venue: Wakasu koen camp (Map: http://bit.ly/2oKtisk )

-Waseda Festival Date: 2 November 2019 (10:00–17:00) Venue: Waseda University (Map: http://bit.ly/2oGfteD )

-KISARAZU ORGANIC CITY FESTIVAL 2019 Date: 3 November 2019 (10:00–16:00) Venue: Kisarazu Shiohama Park (Map: http://bit.ly/2pyXGGL ) Info: https://www.k-organiccity.org/news/1206/

-∞ Super Trinity ∞ Date: 10 November 2019 Venue: Ikegami Jissouji Temple (Map: http://bit.ly/2nPKZa9 )

For the latest information about up-coming events and performances by GOCOO, please check their official website! GOCOO Official Website: www.gocoo.tv

How to Join the Taiko Class

TAWOO hosts Taiko classes regularly in Tokyo, but if you are travelling to Japan and wish to experience TAWOO’s Taiko lesson for a single session, it’s recommended to join their workshop which is held several times a month. Anybody who wish to join the workshop and learn how to play Taiko are welcome regardless of generation and nationality. The workshop is usually held in Japanese, but language would not be a big deal during the lesson. It’s really manageable without understanding the language as it’s more important to feel the vibes by motion and connecting to the sound by heart!

Contact: http://tokyo.tawoo.tv/?page_id=49

TAWOO Workshop Schedule: http://tokyo.tawoo.tv/?page_id=45

Contact for more detail (staff: Watano) Email: [email protected] Phone: 090–7428–8931

Thank you very much for reading! Japanese drum “Taiko” is very fascinating traditional Japanese culture and also one of the most fun and unique cultural activities! If you are interested in Japanese culture or wish to try unique activities while travelling in Japan, how about joining TAWOO’s Taiko workshop??

I have listed more articles introducing unique activities available in Japan/Tokyo today, so please check them out 🙂

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

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KODO One Earth Tour 2023: Tsuzumi

March 23, 2023 | 7:00 pm.

Feel the reverberations of heaven and earth in harmony with this all-new performance from internationally renowned taiko performing arts ensemble, KODO. Entitled “Tsuzumi,” this explosive performance, created to commemorate the ensemble’s 40th anniversary, will electrify, dazzle and uplift audiences of all ages. Guided by three words that underpin the KODO mission  living, learning, creating – the visceral sound of KODO’s taiko drumming explores the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum forging new directions for a vibrant living artform. KODO has given over 6,500 performances in five continents cementing the ensemble as a global phenomenon like no other. Don’t miss a beat!

Click HERE to read Frequently Asked Questions

LOCATION: Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

INFORMATION AND TICKETS: Contact  [email protected] , call 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046, visit the box office at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC, or purchase online.

TICKETS: $25 adults; $20 local resident (proof of residency in Watauga, Ashe, or Avery counties) ; $10 students

SHOWTIME: Thursday, March 23, 2023 | 7pm; doors open at 6pm

Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 6,500 performances on all five continents, spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third rehearsing and preparing new material on Sado Island. Kodo strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts. Beyond this, members on tours and research trips all over the globe have brought back to Sado a kaleidoscope of world music and experiences which now exerts a strong influence on the group’s performances and compositions. Collaborations with other artists and composers extend right across the musical spectrum, and Kodo’s lack of preconceptions about its music continues to produce startling new fusion and forms.

photos byTakashi Okamoto

PRESS COMMENTS

“Traditional rituals recast as theater, and contemporary thoughts about ancient instruments both figure in Kodo’s performance, which includes ancient and modern compositions. Yet with tense, angular postures, with stylized, frozen gestures and, in one playful piece, with animal-like scampering and slithering, Kodo reminds its audience that, above all, its music is a matter of flesh and blood, wood and stretched skin. Kodo can raise the roof, but the group can also show extraordinary finesse.” —The New York Times

“Having spent some time with them, jazz drummer and composer Max Roach thinks of the Japanese drummers of Kodo as regular guys. On stage it’s another story – clad in sweatbands and loincloths, they are like percussionist kamikazes. You expect them to drum till they drop. ‘The technique they use to play percussion instruments is totally different from anything I’ve ever seen,’ he says… ‘They deal with that ‘visual sound’ more than anyone I’ve ever known.’” —The Village Voice

“Indeed, if there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near to it as any group in the world.” —The Boston Globe

“Superlatives don’t really exist to convey the primal power and bravura beauty of Kodo. … Throughout, the devil of it is the combination of the discipline of a surgeon’s scalpel with the primitive, muscular endurance of a cavalry charge. The speed and dexterity are as impressive as the physical tenacity is breathtaking.” —Chicago Tribune

“Balancing a deadly aggression with utter tranquility, their sound stretches from the lightest of rainfall to cataclysmic thunderclaps, from pleasant laughter to discordant fear and from silence to – just once here – a wall of sound, as high, frightening and impregnable as a mountain. Musicians, theatre directors and all interested in the sheer power of sound to feed emotions should take note.” —The Guardian / UK

“The spectator is crushed by their power and then suddenly, silence. Complete silence as if life had stopped in an instant, no applause, not even a breath. I have never seen a show where the audience was so close to suffocating. Don’t miss this, the sound of their drums will be engraved forever on your memory.” —Le Quotidien de Paris / FRANCE

Dynamic, electrifying vision ….Nothing will prepare you for the 1,000 lb. drum assault, the precise timing or the wall of sound. An essential experience.” —Time Out / UK

We would like to thank our corporate, hotel and media sponsors for their generous support.

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• SCP Special Concert

Kodo One Earth Tour 2023: Tsuzumi

Experience the primal power and majesty of taiko drumming as Japan’s pioneering Kodo brings this centuries-old art form to Symphony Center. Since its debut in 1981, this 15-member troupe has traveled the globe, offering performances of emotional depth and thrilling, visceral physicality.

Preconcert Japanese Culture Exhibition

Enjoy a free preconcert exhibition presented by the Japanese Culture Center and Japanese Arts Foundation, taking place in Grainger Ballroom 90 minutes before the performance. The exhibition will last approximately 60 minutes, with demonstrations and interactive artistry. Learn more »

No additional tickets are needed.

• Venue Symphony Center
• Length 2 hours
• Program Book Read more

This performance is made possible with the generous support of William R. Jentes.

Eitetsu Hayashi

After 11 years of performing in a group, Eitetsu started performing solo in 1982. In 1984, he debuted at Carnegie Hall as the first Japanese taiko drum soloist and gained international acclaim. In 2000, he performed with the Berlin Philharmonic in Waldbühne, Germany, and overwhelmed an audience of over 20,000. Since then, he has performed with many symphony orchestras and artists of different genres worldwide.

Eitetsu has pioneered the field of traditionally unprecedented taiko solos, including the Odaiko solo techniques and the creation of original techniques using a set of multiple taiko drums. He has developed a new genre of "Taiko Music" to be transmitted from Japan to the world, and is active in Japan and overseas. In 2018, he performed 6 concerts in 4 cities in the Japan-Canada Friendship 90th Anniversary Tour in Canada and in October performed in the official performance of the Japan-France Friendship 160th Anniversary Japan Expo “Japonisum 2018”. This year, he worked for production and recording as a concept video production staff for the “Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival”.

Eitetsu contributes to a large number of large-scale dispatches for introducing Japanese drum music and culture for each International Friendship and Exchange Year for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Relations Foundation, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

He has authored many publications, including the newly refurbished version of "Ashitano Taiko Uchie" (Hatori Shoten), autobiography "Taiko Hizuki-Dokuso no Kiseki" (Kodansha), and many other articles in journals and magazines. He has received the 1997 Minister of Education Prize for Arts and Culture, the 2001 Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Award, and the 2017 Matsuo Entertainment Awards.

Eitetsu Hayashi Official Website

#TaikoCelebration2021

TAIKO EVENT INFORMATION

Taiko events around the world.

NORTH AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

Other taiko resources:  TaikoSource

Learn (and visit!) the taiko gatherings around the world

This page will list the taiko gatherings happening across the globe.

Please fill out the form below to have your event listed! (i.e. concerts, festivals, workshops, trips, etc...)

No need to have specific locations or dates if they're not ready, but perhaps tell us when/where they are usually held?

Submission Form:

SUBMISSION  FORM

*Information in both Japanese and English is preferred.  

If not, we will do our best to list them in both languages.

Upcoming Events

Makoto taiko performs at nisei week, august 20, 2023, japanese american cultural & community center (jaccc) 244 san pedro st, los angeles, ca 90012.

Showcasing Japanese drum (taiko) groups from across Southern California.

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Past Events

Makoto taiko performs our promise launch at janm, august 5, 2023,.

Japanese American National Museum 100 North Central Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012

2 pm to 5 pm

Makoto Taiko Performs at the Altadena Library

July 22, 2023, 600 e. mariposa street altadena, california 91001.

Main Library Parking Lot  11 am to 12 pm. All ages welcome

Makoto Taiko Annual Concert

June 24, 2023, in los angeles, ca at the aratani theater.

The power, precision, and artistry of Japanese drumming will take center stage when Makoto Taiko presents its annual concert – Legacy

The 129-member Pasadena-based ensemble—one of the largest in Southern California—will perform both traditional and modern compositions sure to inspire. Makoto Taiko invites you to join us as we honor our sensei Koji Nakamura and celebrate his 40 years of playing taiko.

ArtNight Pasadena

March 10, 2023,  in pasadena, ca – free performance.

Makoto Taiko will perform 4 sets during the evening scheduled for 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, and 9:15 at the Shumei Center, 2430 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

ArtNight Pasadena is the city’s premier art and culture event. As many as 20 arts and culture venues open their doors for a free evening of art, music, and entertainment.

Huntington Library Chinese New Year Festival

Feb. 4-5, 2022, 1151 oxford rd, san marino, ca 91108.

Makoto Taiko will perform 3 sets 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, with Wushu Tai Chi

Makoto Taiko Performs at the GREEN LIFE FOOD MARKET

December 18th,  2022 

Shumei Center, 2430 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Makoto Taiko Winter Recital

December 10,  2022.

Franklin Elementry School, 527 Ventura St, Altadena, CA 91001

Makoto Taiko Performs at The Suicide Prevention Walk

November 25th,  2022

Makoto Taiko Performs at Nisei Week Taiko Gathering

Sunday, August 21, 2022 2:30-3:00 PM

Arrive early for parking and walk to the JACCC courtyard to see this FREE PERFORMANCE  

10 taiko groups in Southern California will be performing 30 minute sets continuously starting at 11am. Come enjoy the diverse taiko styles and support the taiko community.

For more information on the week’s festivities: https://niseiweek.org/schedule/

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is one of the longest running ethnic festivals in the United States. This year, it is celebrating its 80th anniversary. https://niseiweek.org/

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM)

Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 4:30 PM 

See the link for more details on this FREE festival https://www.janm.org/events/2022-08-13/2022-natsumatsuri-family-festival

Makoto Taiko Annual Concert – HAJIME!

June 18, 2022, in los angeles, ca, april 29, 2022, in pasadena, ca.

We are excited to announce that  Makoto Taiko will perform 4 sets  during the evening tentatively scheduled for 6:15, 7:15, 8:15, and 9:15 at the  Shumei Center, 2430 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

ArtNight Pasadena is the city’s premier art and culture event. As many as 20 arts and culture venues open their doors for a free evening of art, music, and entertainment. This year will be the first in-person ArtNight Pasadena since 2019 .

Palms Middle School Special Performance

March 29, 2022.

Enhancing 7th-grade  history curriculum on Japan. 

Feb. 5-6, 2022, Pasadena CA

SATURDAY, FEB. 5, 2022 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEB. 6, 2022 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Celebrate the lunar new year and welcome the Year of the Tiger at The Huntington’s Chinese New Year Festival Feb. 5 and 6. Families can enjoy lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese music, art and craft demonstrations, and more. The festivities will take place in and around the Chinese Garden and other performance spaces.

Bowers Museum Cherry Blossom Festival

March 28, 2021.

Makoto Taiko performs in-person!

New West Symphony’ Symphonic Adventures – Passport to Rhythms

March 6, 2021.

In March 2021, Makoto Taiko participated in an educational program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders called Symphonic Adventures-Passport to Rhythms hosted by the New West Symphony, a professional orchestra in the Los Angeles area.  The program aims to introduce students to the orchestra, its conductor, and the elements of music to inspire a life-long appreciation of music. This year’s virtual session included a video featuring Makoto Taiko’s Artistic Director, Hunter Loyd, interacting with two children, Scarlett and Torrey, as they explore taiko drumming, its roots in Japan, and the types of drums, and how to create wonderful music through rhythms. This video and Study Guide is made available to 21 California school districts and meets several California Content Standards education goals for this age group. See the video times between 6:00 to 18:01. https://newwestsymphony.org/symphonic-adventures-2021/

Makoto Taiko Winter Recital 

December 4, 2021, altadena, ca.

The recital on 12-4-2021 was our first public event since 2019. A total of 55 members (including 20 kids under 12 years old) performed to an audience of approximately 250 family and friends. It was held at a Pasadena Unified School District middle school, Eliot Arts Magnet Academy.

October 23, 2020, in Pasadena, CA

In keeping with social distancing requirements, VIRTUAL ARTNIGHT PASADENA is on October 23, 2020. ArtNight Pasadena is the City’s signature cultural event where dynamic arts and cultural venues open their doors each March and October on the 2nd Friday. 18 venues provide free programming, including visual, literary, and performing arts virtually. Makoto Taiko, in partnership with Shumei Arts Council, showed a video of last year’s explosive ArtNight performance of Sakura Fubuki and Revelation.

Here are the video links to the 2019 ArtNight videos that were rebroadcast for the 2020 virtual ArtNight Pasadena:

Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59FRtryZKOQ

Sakura Fubuki:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEkSmySbRdo

New West Symphony Festival

October 18, 2020, in thousand oaks, ca.

The New West Symphony, which is the resident orchestra at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, reached out to Makoto Taiko to perform in their virtual mini-festival that highlights the diverse cultures found in the local community. The first of eight festivals titled “Tour of Japan” on October 18th and Makoto Taiko is featured performing Miyake at the Ronald Reagan Library.

Here’s a link to Hunter’s full interview from 0:38 – 8:33. https://youtu.be/7NlvXhdNrqA

Here’s the link for the full concert.  It’s over an hour.  So if you want to skip to Makoto Taiko, fast forward to 1:04:40. https://youtu.be/crTZJOUydDs

Bowers Museum Virtual Family Festival Livestream

August 30, 2020, in pasadena, ca.

On August 30, 2020, Makoto Taiko will be featured in the Bowers Museum Virtual Family Festival Livestream on Facebook.  This month’s theme is “International Drumming” with performances of an Asian Indian drum called a tabla, West African drums, and Native American drums and hoop dance, and Makoto Taiko demonstrating the taiko. Hunter Loyd will give a demonstration of the various types of taiko drums, and Kristen Hayashi will give a short history of taiko in the U.S. and of Makoto Taiko. See Makoto Taiko starting at 31:10 here: https://www.facebook.com/bowersmuseum/videos/1070363136712959

Pasadena ArtNight

March 13, 2019, in pasadena, ca.

Don’t miss Makoto Taiko at Pasadena ArtNight!

Performances and Mini-Workshops at Shumei Pasadena.

Performances at  6:15 pm, 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm, and 9:15 pm.

http://www.artnightpasadena.org/

Chinese New Year Festival

February 1, 2019 in pasadena, ca, makoto taiko recital, december 7, 2019, in pasadena, ca.

Makoto Taiko held a recital at Franklin Elementary to celebrate and show the progress the members had made in their classes.

Shumei Anniversary Celebration

October 13, in pasadena, ca, makoto taiko’s 20th anniversary concert.

Saturday, June 8 at 7pm and Sunday,  June 9th at 3 pm

At the Arcadia Performing Arts Center

Cultural treasure Makoto Taiko’s awe-inspiring performance of traditional Japanese taiko drumming is a powerful experience for all cultures and the entire family to enjoy. Tickets $15 to VIP $40 with artist meet-and-greet.

Tickets at https://www.arcadiapaf.org/makoto-taiko

The Makoto Taiko, 20th Anniversary Japan Trip, Summer 2019!

Main Tour: July 18 – 29, 2019

Optional Sado Island Tour: July 16-19 and then joining with the Main Tour on July 19.

Click on this link to get more information and to register. (Registration ends on April 5th) http://www.cvent.com/d/r6q1tq

This special tour is only available for current Makoto Taiko members, member’s friends and families, and OMNY Taiko members

March 8, in Pasadena, CA

February 2-3, in pasadena, ca.

Shumei Center Pasadena

March 8, 6-10pm

Makoto Taiko with Daniel Ho Trio at the LA County Holiday Celebration on Christmas Eve

Monday, december 24, 2018.

https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets/events-by-the-music-center/holidaycelebration/holiday-celebration-performers/

Live streamed at PBS SoCal (KOCE TV), 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at  pbssocal.org and presented live and free at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown Los Angeles

October 14, 2018

Wiggle waggle walk, sunday, september 30, 2018 at brookside park, pasadena, ability first international night, september 22, 2018.

AbilityFirst provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives. We do this by: creating targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life. Makoto Taiko held a concert and workshop to teach participants the art of taiko drumming.

Nisei Week Taiko Gathering

Sunday, august 19 @ 1:00pm.

Japanese American Community & Cultural Center (Little Tokyo)

Asano Taiko U.S. 5th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, july 29 @ 3:30pm, pasadena playhouse centennial block party.

The Playhouse Block Party is a free family-friendly celebration of 100 years of California’s official State Theater, The Pasadena Playhouse . The Pasadena Playhouse is celebrating its Centennial in partnership with the Playhouse District Association on Saturday, June 9, 2018 on El Molino Avenue at Colorado Blvd. The Playhouse Block Party event features music, food, libations, guided tours, a kids’ zone, and more.

Makoto Taiko Performance

June 9th 2018, sat 7 pm  ·  pasadena playhouse, 39 s el molino ave, pasadena, ca, makoto taiko presents: gathering currents.

JUNE 2nd 2018

Pasadena Art Night

March 9, 2018 at shumei pasadena.

Enjoy taiko drumming by Makoto Taiko at 6:15 pm, 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm, and Kimono Show by LA Kimono Club

Green Life Food Festival

February 18, 2018 at shumei pasadena.

https://www.facebook.com/events/735100423313443

2018 Big Read Event at the Pasadena Central Library

February 3, 2018 at 11am at the pasadena central library.

Pasadena Public Library presents the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read event!

Makoto Taiko Presents: FORWARD

Makoto taiko ai 2018 recital.

DragonFest 2017

 saturday, august 5th, 2017.

Burbank Marriott Convention Center.

“The most popular martial arts convention in the world!”   This is a fundraising event supporting the Martial Arts History Museum.  

Makoto Taiko’s performance will be at 1:35pm  

For more information:  http://museumdragonfest.com/

Taiko Ten Concert at the North American Taiko Conference

Friday, august 11th at west ballroom, price center, uc san diego.

Makoto Taiko will be one of ten taiko groups performing at the North American Taiko Conference. This is a free concert for attendees of NATC.

The North American Taiko Conference (NATC) is a biennial event sponsored by the Taiko Community Alliance (TCA). NATC has become a central element of the taiko community, with workshops and discussion sessions for players of all levels. NATC also features public performances featuring a wide variety of taiko groups. NATC is attended by virtually all of the taiko community’s leaders, along with hundreds of players from around the world. For more info :  https://natc.taikocommunityalliance.org/

24th Annual Taiko Gathering

Sunday, august 27, 2017  – 12:00pm-12:30pm.

Makoto Taiko will also be playing at the Nisei Week Japanese Festival Ondo & Closing Ceremony at 3:45pm!

Brand Library and Art Center – Plaza Series Concert

Friday, july 21, 7pm at brand library & art center 1601 west mountain streetglendale, california 91201.

The City of Glendale’s Performance Series, now in its fourth year, provides a free cultural asset to residents and attracts visitors to experience arts and cultural opportunities in the city. This program has been designed to support arts organizations and to bring distinguished cultural programming to Glendale. The Performance Series is supported by the City of Glendale and the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission, with funding from the Urban Art Program and the Brand Associates. For more information, visit Brand Library’s website: Events Calendar or their Facebook event

Taiko Summit Colorado 2017

Saturday, june 10, 2017 1pm at the macky auditorium, university of colorado at boulder.

World Renowned Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka & San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Kenny Endo Ensemble, Grammy Winner Koji Nakamura & Makoto Taiko, GONNA-Wadaiko x Marimba from Japan, and Boulder Taiko Ensemble.

Makoto Taiko’s 11th Annual concert Saturday May 6th at 7pm Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation

Makoto Taiko presents RISE! – a powerful concert of Japanese drumming with Grammy Award-winning Taiko Master Koji Nakamura and guest artist Eien Hunter-Ishikawa.

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa is a member of the fearlessly innovative On Ensemble. A musician and global educator based in Portland, Oregon, he was born in Japan, where he developed an early passion for drumming specializing in drumset, Taiko, percussion, and shinobue. He’s performed at the North American Taiko Conference, Chico World Music Festival, Vancouver’s Powell Street Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Dancing on the Edge Festival, Hawaii International Taiko Festival, Honolulu International Jazz Festival, and the Detroit Montreux Jazz Festival.

Friday, March 10 6-10PM

Akabeko project.

Founded in 2013, the Akabeko Project is an annual event that raises awareness for the victims of the March 11, 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster by engaging community members of all ages in creative, cultural, and educational activities. The Akabeko Project fosters a continued awareness of the situation by hosting Akabeko painting workshops. The Akabeko Project’s mission is to continue to strengthen international relationships between Japanese and Americans and to educate our communities, both in the United States and in Japan, about the continuing struggles that face the citizens of Fukushima.

Heritage Day at Chandler School

October 28, 2016 in pasadena, ca, shumei america pasadena’s center anniversary celebration, october 23, 2016 in pasadena, ca, pasadena peace and unity festival, september 25, 2016 in pasadena, ca, abilityfirst’s international night, september 23, 2016 in pasadena, ca, altadena church fall festival, september 17, 2016 in altadena, ca, nisei week taiko gathering at jaccc plaza, august 21, 2016 in little tokyo, los angeles, makoto taiko one pulse concert.

http://makototaiko.brownpapertickets.com

Join us for Makoto Taiko’s One Pulse – a powerful concert featuring traditional, modern, and fusion Japanese drum pieces with Grammy Award-winning Taiko Master Koji Nakamura, Koto Artist Yukiko Matsuyama, and Violinist Jason Yang.

Parking is available and free for all attendees.

Some premium seats will be reserved for donors to Makoto Taiko.  For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Makoto Taiko “Resounding BEAT” Concert

June 2015, thorne hall, occidental college (eagle rock, ca) 9th annual concert..

Special Guests: Marco Lienhard, Hidesomi Bando

March, 2015 at Shumei Hall, Pasadena

Westfield mall lunar new year celebration, february 2015, westfield mall, arcadia, ca, la paz intermediate school 4th annual international festival, march 27, 2015 mission viejo, ca, daniel pearl world music days concert, november 2015, santa monica, ca, disney’s “big hero 6” wrap party, october 2015, kodak theatre, hollywood, ca, la paz intermediate school 3rd annual international festival, april 3, 2014 mission viejo, ca, 2014 los angeles & san gabriel valley spring regional games for the special olympics , saturday, may 17, 2014, makoto taiko 15th anniversary “kizuna” concert, june 2014, thorne hall, occidental college, eagle rock, ca.

Special Guests: Mike Penny and Roseanna Kuwata

Pasadena Gakuen performance

January 2013, pasadena japanese cultural institute, 8th annual makoto taiko concert, june 2013, thorne hall, occidental college, eagle rock, ca special guest mike penny, special olympics fall regional games performance, june 2013, los angeles, ca, august, 2013 in little tokyo, los angeles, shumei santa cruz open farm performance, september 2013, santa cruz, ca, annual “inochi no denwa” suicide hotline benefit christmas concert, december, 2012-2016, little tokyo, los angeles, 2013 honda la marathon, march 17, 2013, los angeles, 2nd annual  asian   deaf   awareness  day event, may 11, 2013, los angeles, national women’s history month, march 27, 2012, federal women’s program, u.s. army corps of engineers, los angeles, makoto’s 7th annual concert, june 2012, thorne hall, occidental college, eagle rock, ca, january 2011, jaoanese american cultural & community center, title tokyo, 7th annual kaua’i wellness expo 2011, january 2011, kaua’i war memorial center, kaua’i, hi, may 2011, shumei hall, pasadena, ca, 6th annual makoto taiko concert, june 2011, thorne hall, occidental college, eagle rock, la18 harvest moon festival, september 2011, arcadia county park, world festival of sacred music, october 8, 2011, luckman fine arts complex, cal state l.a., 4th annual daniel pearl world music days, october 2011, santa monica, ca, u.s. martial arts festival, november 2011, redondo beach, ca, benefit concert for the crohn’s and colitis foundation of america, november 13, 2011, beverly hill, ca, 5th annual makoto taiko concert, june 2010, scottish rite center, pasadena, cosmic thunder concert, june 2010, norton simon museum, pasadena, u.s.-japan martial arts festival, june 2010, redondo beach, ca, 2010, santa cruz, ca, leadershift 2010, november 2010, long beach, ca, emperor of japan’s birthday reception, december 2010, residence of the consul general of japan, los angeles, 4th annual makoto taiko concert, june 2009, pasadena, ca, makoto taiko 10th anniversary concert, august 2009, san gabriel, ca.

Special Guests: Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, Paul Winter, Mike Penny, Yukiko Matsuyama, and Yanjin Lam

3rd Annual Makoto Taiko Concert

June 2008, pasadena, ca, shamballah la, september 2008, level 3, hollywood, ca, celebrate immigrants liturgy and festival, september 2008, cathedral of the lady of angeles, los angeles, crestone music festival, september 2008, crestone, co, prayer vigil for the earth, september 2008, washington, d.c., catskill mountain culture festival, july 2007, hunter, ny, august 2007, crestone, co, september 2007, washington, d.c., july 2006, hunter, ny, aum-sho-namah concert for the world festival of sacred music, july 2006, torrance, ca.

Collaborated with Marco Lienhard and Koji Nakamura

2nd Annual Makoto Taiko Concert

August 2006, pasadena, ca, september 2006, washington, d.c., 1st annual shumei america taiko concert, june 2005, pasadena, ca, july 2005, hunter, ny.

Collaborated with Koji Nakamura and Marco Lienhard, former Ondekoza member and leader of Taikoza

September 2005, Washington, D.C.

July 2004, hunter, ny.

Collaborated with Toshiki Hirano, former Shumei Taiko Ensemble Member and Koji Nakamura

July 2003, Hunter, NY

September 2002, washington, d.c., bridge usa summer festival, july 2002. torrance, ca, september 2001, washington, d.c., september 2001, torrance, ca, september 2000, washington, d.c., shumei america taiko’s first performance.

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Matsumoto Grand Taiko Festival 2024

The sound and the fury

Each year on the last weekend in July the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, the "city of music", already renowned for its historic castle, adds to its fame by hosting the raw and elegant sound and fury that is the annual Matsumoto Grand Taiko (the art of traditional Japanese drumming) Festival. The rhythmic pulse of the city can be heard and felt over two days and nights through the passion of the drummers and the depth of power of the drums which they strike. Taiko groups from all over Japan come to Matsumoto to participate in the festival, which takes place throughout the city and within the grounds of Matsumoto castle.

The festival comprises, in addition to the castle, of multiple open air designated areas in different parts of the city, which play host to multiple taiko performances during the afternoon starting from 1:30pm. With groups from various parts of Japan performing, it is a pleasure to see the differences in regional styles as well as fluid combinations of showmanship and technical proficiency. Some groups are tremendously well drilled teams, while others are passionate community groups made up of kids, mums & dads, and grandparents. Regardless of their age or experience, all performers and performances are filled with the special precision, grace and passion unique to taiko. Each performance is an event in itself and all applause and words of congratulation are humbly received by the performers.

At 5:30pm, as the day gets longer and the sun begins to set, the festivities move to the main event stage inside Matsumoto Castle. No fee is charged and no ticket is required. A raised stage is constructed in the shadow of the castle where the performances take place from 5:30pm until approximately 9:00pm. An area of approximately 25m from the front of the stage is neatly divided into free-seating areas on the lawn. There is plenty of room to relax and get a good view of the stage and the castle. Beyond the lawn seating is a section of individual outdoor chairs organised into a gallery for those with difficulty sitting on the floor.

The atmosphere is wonderful. Young and old alike sit mesmerised, captivated by the intricacies of each performance, some of which take on a theatrical element with vibrant costumes and singing. Even the youngest of performers, of primary school age, hold themselves with great character and commitment to the performance. Moreover, as the sun sinks lower, pastel reds and oranges are thrown across the summer sky and clouds, and create an unreal effect as they are projected upon and contrasted with the famous white and black surfaces of the castle. Perhaps only if you are particularly sentimental, but at this time it is difficult not to appreciate the weight of history and marvel at the impressive visual and aural intersection of Japanese history and culture.

The programme begins with individual groups giving 2 or 3 performances each, building up throughout the evening. The penultimate performance is reserved for a professional taiko group (this year: Kodō (鼓童)) to take the stage and, as part of their showmanship, bring the performance into the crowd. The finale can only be described as a taiko tour de force with all groups joining each other on stage for a combined performance of raw power that exceeds even the wildest expectations. A blur of hands and drums from start to finish, each performer exhausts themselves in a union of fierce passion, rigour and enjoyment in the final performance of the night, which leaves the audience in an equal state of breathlessness. If you're lucky you might even be able to also catch a glimpse of summer fireworks in the distant night sky to cap off a special evening.

All the groups reassemble the next day, with a slight change, to repeat their sensational efforts. The groups are rotated so that those who performed in the castle during the previous evening will perform in the city's open-air areas and vice versa.

In its mythological origin story, taiko is said to have been born when the Shinto goddess Ame-no-Uzume danced wildly atop an empty sake barrel. An experience not to be missed, the festival and its historical setting within Japan's second oldest extant castle will certainly have you dancing to the beat of a different (taiko) drum.

Find out more about Matsumoto Castle .

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By Peter Bungate

Community writer

Information

Matsumoto Castle Grand Taiko Festival (国宝松本城太鼓まつり)

Late July 2024

Matsumoto Castle

Marunouchi 4-1, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873 ( Map ) ( Directions )

visitmatsumoto.com

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