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.
#TaikoCelebration2021
WTC 2020
Taiko Community Video Forum
Sharing Taiko Stories from Around the World!
Topic 1
【Taiko as a Performing Art】
Taiko as an Expression on Stage: Its Development and Future
“BONTEN”
Bonten was formed in 1999 and started performing on stage in 2000. While focusing on taiko drumming, Bonten has pursued their own musicality and released many original compositions. Bonten has been providing music for overseas teams for many years, and has had a wide range of exchange through taiko drumming in the United States, Europe and Asia. Another characteristic of Bonten is powerful and supple performances by female players, centered on Momo Kobayashi, the daughter of the team founder Masataka Kobayashi.
BONTEN (Kanagawa, Japan)
Official Email：info@bonten-taiko.com
Official website: http://www.bonten-taiko.com/
“Taiko Lecco”
Meet Taiko Lecco from Italy! The number of performances, various projects, international collaborations, school work, etc… is admirable! Their sub-group Sanbiki no Taikouchi involves three performers, who share a further passion for taiko. Hurray for taiko in Italy!
Grazie to Taiko Lecco and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Taiko Lecco(Lombardia, Italy)
Official Email：taikolecco@gmail.com
Official website: http://taikolecco.wixsite.com/taikolecco
“Tengu Taiko Drummers”
Watch Tengu Taiko Drummers perform “Raku” composed by former Shidara, Awa (aka Chabo-san). This was a piece learned from the help of the Taiko Source website, and performed at the UK Taiko Festival in 2019!
Thank you to Tengu Taiko Drummers and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Tengu Taiko Drummers (North Yorkshire, UK)
Official Email：tengutaiko@hotmail.com
Official website: http://www.tengutaiko.com/
“Dounen Daiko”
Meet Dounen Daiko! A teen taiko group of Nen Daiko from Reston, Virginia! They started practicing virtually in March, and just returned to in-person practices 2 times per month. This is their song called Anthem written by Brant Horio & Emily Ihara. It's about being your own person while also being a member of a group. Dounen Daiko made this video by combining videos that they each took this summer.
Thank you to Dounen Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Dounen Daiko (Virginia, USA)
“TaikoMac”
Re-skinning taiko in a basement in Philly….? Meet Mac Evans, a East-Coast-Based taiko performer, instructor, and drum handy man. This video showcases looking to the future, as Mac prepares drums to be re-headed and performed in the future.
Thank you to Mac Evans and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
TaikoMac (Pennsylvania, U.S.A)
Official website: https://www.taikomac.com/
https://www.casualfifth.com/fringe2020
“Hoh Daiko”
Hoh Daiko accen-chu-ated the positive by hosting a drive-thru obon this year as well as a virtual obon program. Here are clips from their virtual obon!
Thank you to Hoh Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Hoh Daiko (New Jersey, U.S.A)
“Kenny Endo ”
Based in Hawaii, Kenny celebrated his 40th anniversary of taiko in 2015, showcasing his concert as his submission! This year would definitely be his 45th anniversary of taiko, so congratulations Kenny! WTC loves the fusion and musicality that Kenny shared with the taiko community.
Mahalo to Kenny Endo and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
*Kenny Endo will be featured in the Live Talk sessions. Be sure to check it out!
Kenny Endo (Hawaii, U.S.A)
Official Website: https://www.kennyendo.com/
“Soh Daiko”
Meet Soh Daiko, the first taiko group established on the east coast of the U.S., in 1979. The New York based group celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, and showcased their version of Miyake in this fantastic video!
Thank you to Soh Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
*One of the founding members of Soh Daiko, Alan Okada, is one of our speakers for WTC Premium TALKS, shared prior to the event. Go check that out also!
Soh Daiko (New York, U.S.A)
Official Website: http://www.sohdaiko.org/
“Taiko Center of the Pacific ”
Taiko Center of the Pacific is based off of the popular Oahu island in Honolulu. This particular piece is called “Araumi” Stormy Seas by Kirstin Pauka. Originally from Germany, Kirstin has been a member of Taiko Center of the Pacific (TCP) longer than anyone (since 1991)! This performance was a collaboration between TCP and the University of Hawaii Dance Department in 2013.
*Kenny Endo and Yeeman Mui (ManMan) (in the video as a performing member of TCP) will be featured in the Live Talk sessions. Be sure to check it out!
Taiko Center of the Pacific (Hawaii, U.S.A)
Official Website:https://taikoarts.com/
Topic 3
【TAIKO and COMMUNITY】
The Value of Taiko in Multicultural Societies
“Mike Gonhata (Manoa Taiko) & Sho‘on Shibata (Taiko Center of the Pacific) ”
Meet Mike and Sho’on! Watch them play to Yagi Bushi Bon Taiko at the beautiful beach in Honolulu! Music by Isaku Kageyama & Friends Taiko by Mike Gonhata & Sho‘on Shibata
Mahalo to Mike Gonhata, Sho’on Shibata, and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Mike Gonhata (Manoa Taiko) & Sho‘on Shibata (Taiko Center of the Pacific) (Hawaii, U.S.A)
Official Website: http://manoataiko.com/
“Puna Taiko”
Making the best out of the year 2020! A virtual collaboration AND beautiful outside scenery? Great job performing with social distance, Puna Taiko and friends!
Mahalo to Puna Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Puna Taiko (Hawaii, U.S.A)
Official Website：http://www.punataiko.com/
“St. Louis Osuwa Taiko”
St. Louis Osuwa Taiko shares their difficulties and success they’ve had during the pandemic. I’m sure a lot of you have experienced similar troubles to play together on Zoom (oh the lag!) , but who else felt a little better seeing themselves “play together” with a little bit of creativity and technology magic? Latter half, you’ll see the members of St. Louis Osuwa Taiko being able to perform again, with awareness of distancing themselves for self care.
Thank you to St. Louis Osuwa Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
St. Louis Osuwa Taiko (Missouri, U.S.A)
Official Website：http://www.stltaiko.com/
“Taiko with Toni”
Toni Yagami from Denver, Colorado, shared her experiences of the two performances her and her group had during the pandemic. The first piece, Kisha, was performed with a lot of distance with the audience members, and the second is a short clip of a drive-by event. Watch the video and chuckle with us with Toni’s silliness in her story telling!
Thank you Toni and everyone from Taiko with Toni, and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Taiko with Toni (Colorado, U.S.A)
Official Website：https://taikowithtoni.com/
"Ranbu" by Fushicho Daiko
Presenting you with Fushicho Daiko from Phoenix, Arizona! This song, Ranbu, written by Fukushima san, embodies the joy of playing together, smiling through their masks to encourage and challenge one another.
Thank you Fushicho Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Fushicho Daiko (Arizona, U.S.A)
Official Website：https://fushichodaiko.com/
"Uzushio" by Fushicho Daiko
Another expressive taiko performance from Fushicho Daiko in Phoenix, Arizona! They are performing Uzushio (Whirlpool) by Kenzo Hatanaka, expressing the struggles and obstacles of a battle. But through music, the struggles are beautiful. Working together and weaving rhythms and themes together, creates a strong base from which to succeed together.
Thank you Fushicho Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Fushicho Daiko (Arizona, U.S.A)
Official Website：https://fushichodaiko.com/
"Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko”
Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko shared with us a small bit from their hard work putting on their local Aki Matsuri-virtual festival. So much effort and great work put into these videos! Congratulations for a successful virtual Aki Matsuri, LVKT! What an epic set of performance videos!
Thank you Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko (Nevada, U.S.A)
"Stanford Taiko”
Stanford Taiko is from...you guessed it! Stanford University! Along with the many collegiate taiko groups in California and now to the rest of the U.S., Stanford Taiko represents their university, and playing together as part of their college experience. Here is a clip of Stanford Taiko members playing on their 25th anniversary, along with some alumni and members talking about the art of taiko.
Thank you Stanford Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
*Wisa Uemura, one of the alumni talking in the video, will be featured in the Live Talk sessions. Be sure to check it out!
Stanford Taiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Website: http://taiko.stanford.edu/
"San Jose Taiko”
San Jose Obon is one of the largest obon festivals in the U.S., with over one thousand dancers coming together each year! Unfortunately, this mega event became virtual this year, but ofcourse, San Jose Taiko made it fun for everyone tuning in! In this video, San Jose Taiko performed a special "at-home" version of Free Spirit composed by Roy Hirabayashi, that was presented earlier at obon-at-home.
Thank you San Jose Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
*San Jose Taiko directors, Wisa and Franco, along with co-founder of the ensemble, Roy, will be featured in the Live Talk sessions. Be sure to check it out!
San Jose Taiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Website: https://taiko.org/
"Taiko SOBA”
Meet Taiko SOBA based in Palo Alto, near Silicon Valley in California! They are a group of friends, who mostly played with collegiate taiko groups. Enjoy watching their piece, Intrepid, composed by Kiyoshi Shikuma, where interlocking rhythms create a changing landscape in the music and movements.
Thank you Taiko SOBA and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
*Taiko SOBA member, Sydney Shiroyama, will be featured in the Live Talk sessions. Be sure to check it out!
Taiko SOBA (California, U.S.A)
"Tatsumaki” by Jun Daiko and Ai Matsuda.
Now that you know enough about Jun Daiko, let’s watch a performance by them! This is from their obon in 2019 at their home temple, Mountain View Buddhist Temple. The piece performed is called Tatsumaki (whirlwind), written by one of the members, Hiroshi Tanaka, who wrote the piece while playing with Stanford Taiko. Now, various arrangements are performed today by several taiko groups in North America. This performance features a special guest, Ai Matsuda.
Thank you Jun Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Jun Daiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Website: https://jundaiko.com/
"Makoto Taiko"
Makoto Taiko, from Pasadena, California! Watch their younger members play the piece, “Turtle Sparrow”, and their older members play “Ready, Set, kaDON”, both of which were practiced remotely this year. Their annual concert was unfortunately cancelled, but they turned it into a Zoom talent show instead!
Thank you Makoto Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Makoto Taiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Website: http://www.makototaiko.org/
"FushuTaiko"
Here’s Fushu Daiko from South Florida Taiko Dojo! They share with us their 4-2-1 Timing Exercise that helps them improve their skills!
Thank you Makoto Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
FushuTaiko (Florida, U.S.A)
Official Website: http://www.fushudaiko.org/
"Dondoko Taiko"
Watch and meet the members of Dondoko Taiko from Fort Worth, Texas! They had a lot of fun playing Yukyu Bayashi taught by Yukyu Taiko in Nagaoka, Japan, all with cosplay!
Thank you Dondoko Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Dondoko Taiko (Texas, U.S.A)
Official Website: https://dondokotaiko.com/
"4 Loco LadiesTalk Taiko"
4 Loco Ladies talk taiko – answering a few questions about their individual taiko journeys.
"4 Loco Ladies is a collaborative of taiko ladies representing four different nationalities. They came together in 2020 with the aim to connect, create, and perform together as part of a Taiko Roadtrip Challenge. For more details about the project, watch their “TOPIC 3: Taiko and Community” video submission."
The 4 Loco Ladies invite the community to ‘come along for the ride’ and encourage you to engage with them through interactive posts on Instagram and Facebook (@4locoladies).
4 Loco Ladies are: Romi Taverna (Argentina), Isabel Romeo (Spain), Chiara Codetta (Italy), Mel Ski (Australia)
Audio: "Rekka" composed by Masayuki Sakamoto, performed by Taiko Lecco.
"Miura Taiko Shop"
Miura Taiko Shop, founded 1865.
"We are taiko craftsmen who make the sound of taiko come to life.
Our mission is to connect people, and people with nature, so that the beautiful things in life are shared with one another.
We truly think so! With lots of passion for wadaiko, we craft them and perform them in our daily lives."
Miura Taiko Shop (Aichi Prefecture, Japan)
Official Website: https://taikoya.net/
"ZenDaiko"
"ZenDaiko started in October 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, under the direction of Romina Taverna with the idea of transmitting Japanese culture through 2 disciplines applied to the same training: Taiko and Zazen. From this fusion comes the name, its kanjis, and identity:禅太鼓.
It is important for us to be able to train the body, mind, and spirit. The songs are composed by the group and are characterized by being powerful and physically demanding."
ZenDaiko (Argentina, South America)
Offical Email: zendaikotalleres@gmail.com
"Ichiban: el primer latido"
"We invite you to see how we create our Taiko and Flamenco fusion show “Ichiban: el primer latido” let’s play!
TaikoMon was born in Madrid, Spain in 2017. Her founder and artistic director, Mónica Vedia, discovered Taiko in 2003 thanks to Tabata sensei in local group Ago Kaijin Daiko in Mie prefecture in Japan."
TaikoMon (Madrid, Spain)
Offical Email: info@taikomon.com
Official Website: www.taikomon.com
"Gocoo"
Gocoo is a wadaiko band, performing in various international performances.
Formed in 1997, the members of Gocoo have created a unique groove and musicality that brings people together.
Since 2003, the band has been performing in various music festivals around the world, overcoming different barriers such as language, music genre, etc.
In the last 15 years, they have performed in Europe, Central and South America, Oceania, and Africa in over 40 countries, totaling to more than 500,000 audiences who have experienced their music live.
Gocoo (Tokyo, Japan)
Official Email：office@gocoo.tv
Official website: http://www.gocoo.tv/
"Yorokai"
YOROKAI is founded in 2020 in Antwerp, Belgium with the aim of sharing the joy and magic of Japanese taiko drumming. This video explains our vision on taiko and describes the three programs we offer:
1. the taikoNetix trainings unleashes the ki of taiko, the raw energy
2. the taikoTrails classes focuses on the technique, the waza
3. the taikoTeam gatherings emphasizes on the performance as a team, the kumi of kumi daiko.
CURIOUS FOR MORE ?
Check out our website www.yorokai.com or follow our adventures on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yorokai.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ?
Send any question you might have to info@yorokai.com !
CREDITS
The songs we play are
1. Poseidon, our favorite taiko song composed by Masataka Kobayashi (Leader of Bonten, our favorite taiko team. Check them out at www.bonten-taiko.com)
2. Isami Goma, Daihachi Oguchi’s standard work.
Yorokai (Brecht, Belgium )
Official Email：info@yorokai.com
Official website: www.yorokai.com
"Legacy" by Kagemusha Taiko
As taiko continues to spread around the world, it would be strange if all taiko remained the same. In Western Europe, Kagemusha Taiko have been expressing themselves with increasing distinctiveness for the last 20 years. This performance of "Legacy" by Jonathan Kirby is an example of that.
The metal percussion played by Jonathan in this performance is a tettō that was gifted to him by Grand Master Daihachi Oguchi in 2004. Playing it in this song. "Legacy" is an acknowledgement that modern taiko is part of Oguchi's legacy.
Kagemusha Taiko (UK )
*Jonathan from Kagemusha Taiko is also one of our speakers for the panel discussion, Taiko and Community<GLOBAL> held on November 21st. Stay tuned!
Official website: https://kagemusha.com/
"Wadaiko Rindo (2009)"
"Taiko is not something you do, it's something you channel, with varying degrees of success, with exhaustion, exhilaration and camaraderie. These are some of the things I attempted to capture in my backstage videos for Wadaiko Rindo; the individual efforts of our players, as well as the strength and joy that comes with playing with people who, through the journey, become like family.
I've been learning the art of Taiko with Wadaiko Rindo since 2004, under the warm guidance of Director Toshi Sakamoto and his wife, Junko san. Over these last 15 years, I have made many yearly memento videos in which I try to capture my perspective of our team's drive to do our best, but also how enjoyable and uplifting the practice sessions are for us all. We sweat and blister, but we also laugh a lot!
The video I am sharing here with WTC 2020 participants was shown in 2009 at the start of our annual concert series, and gave audiences a backstage peek into the year-long preparations of our students. The tiny little nugget at the end saying "otousan baibai" to Sakamoto Sensei is now a young lady, so this certainly does take us back!"
Mia-Alexandra Sky
Wadaiko Rindo performer; Chief Marketing Officer (Melbourne, Australia)
Official website: www.wadaikorindo.com
"Kodo x Roland"
"Since 2017, Roland and Kodo have been exploring the possibilities of electronic instruments and Japanese drums together. This collaboration has led to the long-awaited launch of TAIKO-1 by the end of this year. In this programme, the cast of Kodo members will show you the amazing features of this innovative drum and its potential to take traditional taiko drumming into the future!”
Thank you to Earth Celebration for letting WTC share this video that was initially streamed at Earth Celebration 2020!
See the full version of the video here!
[EC2020] DAY 1-KODO 鼓童 x ローランド Taiko-1 トーク&パフォーマンス /Kodo x Roland Taiko-1 Talk & Performance
Kodo (Sado Island, Japan)
Official Email：heartbeat@kodo.or.jp
Official website: https://kodo.or.jp
Earth Celebration website：https://earthcelebration.jp/en/
Roland TAIKO-1 Official website: https://www.roland.com/global/products/taiko-1/
"WHY WE DRUM"
"Last year Raion Taiko and community members of the Great Lakes Taiko Center shared WHY WE DRUM as the opening performance for our 9th annual showcase event. This taiko and spoken word piece was co-created with special guest Mike Ellison and presented by taiko players of all ages and diverse experiences as a communal expression of empowerment through taiko drumming. Although our 10th anniversary plans for this year were sadly disrupted by the pandemic, the importance of taiko in our lives has become ever more clear, and we are so happy to share WHY WE DRUM for the World Taiko Conference 2020 online video forum as we remember, respect, and reimagine what performing taiko in community with all means to us now."
“Why We Drum” (June 2019)
Watch this performance, hear interviews of music composer Brian Sole and spoken word artist Mike Ellison, and read the poem (in English with Japanese translation) in the video subtitles and description at https://youtu.be/U_NJd3nYbHc.
“My Song 31 this is why I drum” (July 2019)
Find the mixed soundtrack of taiko and vocals created by Eileen Ho for the GLTC 9th Annual Showcase slideshow in her #TaikoLove Sounds 2019 collection at https://eileensho.rocks.
Raion Taiko & Great Lakes Taiko Center (Michigan, USA)
Official Website: https://michigantaiko.net
Email: hello@michigantaiko.net
"Propel"
Performers:Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble: Josie Hung '19, Kira Emmons '20, Jason Wong '21
Isaku Kageyama, Joe Small
Group Locations, Information:
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania (USA)
Established in 2001, Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble is based in the Dance Program at Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
Isaku Kageyama, Los Angeles CA, USA
Isaku Kageyama is an LA-based taiko artist, composer, and educator.
Joe Small, Philadelphia PA, USA
Joe Small is a taiko artist, assistant professor of dance at Swarthmore College, and director of Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble. In Japan he is affiliated with Eitetsu Fu-Un no Kai.
Description:
"I composed "Propel" in 2018 while working with the Australian ensemble Taikoz. It's a bright, nimble piece intended to 'propel' the hearts of the audience and performers alike. The set-work and ohiradaiko parts combine detailed interplay with choreographic and melodic approaches.
This video features Swarthmore College Taiko Ensemble members performing at the US East Coast Taiko Conference in 2019. I had just started teaching at Swarthmore, and a valuable opportunity arose for the three students to perform at this event for their peers and much of the US taiko community. I am grateful to them for their exceptional, diligent work.
Reflecting on the 'World' of World Taiko Conference, I feel "Propel" receives and reflects the power of taiko to transcend national borders and cultural barriers. I am deeply thankful for the inspiration and guidance of my mentor and senpai in Japan, as well as taiko friends and colleagues in Australia, North America, and elsewhere. Without them, this piece would not be possible.
Please enjoy."
-Joe Small
Gratitude: Mayumo, Ian, Jason, Josie, and Kira, Ryuji, Kerryn, Sophie, Sophia, Claudia, Isaku, Ben Pachter, Cornell Yamatai, Kodo 26ki, Kristy Oshiro, Kim Arrow, Fu-Un senpai and lastly, Eitetsu-Shisho for his support and encouragement.
Official Website:
Isaku Kageyama
Joe Small
"Ikigai" by Tsuchigumo Daiko
"Tsuchigumo Daiko was founded in 2016 by Martin Doyle and Shonagh Walker, with the aim of sharing the joy and benefits of Taiko, while fostering community, inclusivity, and personal development. Inspired by a broad spectrum of influences, we seek to push our own boundaries within the art form, whilst remaining respectful to the history and traditions. Whilst we take the art form very seriously, we certainly do not take ourselves seriously! Affectionately known as “Spiders”, our members perform with an exciting, passionate, and energetic style.
Playing and performing with others has allowed us to build strong bonds and make lifelong friends. This video is a showreel of our 2019 concert, “Ikigai”, with special guest and community leader Shoji Kameda (USA). The concert was hugely important to us as it represented not only an invigorating artistic collaboration, but also the importance of those friendships: both between the members of our own team and with the Taiko Community worldwide. The encore in this show was “Mozamjam” – a piece inspired by various drumming cultures from around the world. We are submitting the song to the Composition Library and hope to play it with some of you in the future!"
Tsuchigumo Daiko (Martin Doyle & Shonagh Walker - Glasgow, Scotland)
Email - tsuchigumodaiko@gmail.com
Website: www.tsuchigumo.co.uk
"IKKYOKAN" Tosa Taiko Culture Research Association SAMURAIー
"There are various types of pure Japanese traditions, however, Wadaiko (Japanese drum), which is well-known as one of them, has been created by collaboration and originality. Kenji Miyazawa (Japanese novelist) expressed onomatopoeia
and mimicry by words in his masterpieces. As well, we would love to convey words, emotions and situations through the sound of Wadaiko. Please see our challenge in how we design our sounds beyond the sounds of drums."
「IKKYOKAN」Tosa Taiko Culture Research Association SAMURAIー
Email - ikkyokan_samurai@yahoo.co.jp
"IKKYOKAN" Tosa Taiko Culture Research Association SAMURAIー
“My name is Katsuji Asano from ASANO TAIKO US. I am also a producer for a team called Unit One.
Please let us stay connected through taiko!”
Katsuji Asano, ASANO TAIKO US (Los Angeles, California, U.S.A)
Email - katsuji@asano.us
Website: http://asano.us/
"Aber Taiko”
“Aber Taiko is a community group of taiko enthusiasts based in Swansea, Wales. The Welsh name of Swansea is - Abertawe - which means 'mouth of the river Tawe', and this was the inspiration for the group name.
We all found taiko in different ways - some of us in Japan, some of us through a local workshop, or a concert. We have had very little knowledge of how to play when we started and therefore we invite Taiko Artists to come and give us workshops. We then practice regularly together every week at least once.
The first video is of our first concert 2 years ago in a proper theatre. We worked very hard to prepare it and we are very proud! The second one shows us playing in a street party which happened to be on the 27th June, so we played Hiryuu San Dan Gaeshi and Isami Goma - San Francisco Taiko Dojo style.
We are thankful to all our teachers over the years: Ursula Frank, Pete Goodman, James Barrow, Ting-Chi Li, Xun Dong, Jonathan Kirby, Alison Roe, Liz Walters, Martin and Shonagh, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kenny and Chizuko Endo, Ingmar Kikat”
Aber Taiko (Swansea, Wales, UK)
Website: abertaiko.org.uk
Topic 2
【TAIKO and INCLUSIVITY】
Taiko and accessibility: How inclusion connects communities
"Aber Taiko”
“Meet Yama no Oto, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the nearby Canadian Rockies, Yama no Oto was created in 2015 for fresh new taiko performances, and now five years later during these challenging times of COVID-19, we are busy with video projects and teaching community taiko classes. This video highlights some of the fun taiko collaborations and projects in Calgary, and we hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time!”
Paula Midori Nieckar, Yama no Oto. Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Website: www.calgarytaiko.com
"TaikoLAB project-TaikoMon"
We invite you to know more about our TaikoLAB project; Taiko with hearing impaired people and autistic children. Let’s play!
TaikoMon was born in Madrid, Spain in 2017. Her founder and artistic director, Mónica Vedia, discovered Taiko in 2003 thanks to Tabata sensei in local group Ago Kaijin Daiko in Mie prefecture in Japan.
Edition and Original Video Music by Andrés Esteban.
Original Video Music by Andrés Esteban.
Official Website: www.taikomon.com
Email: info@taikomon.com
"Taiko for Parkinson’s"
San Jose Taiko
San Jose Taiko started the Taiko for Parkinson’s Program in 2018. It was designed by San Jose Taiko artistic staff members and Occupational Therapist, Sydney Shiroyama to address the needs of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The class covers taiko history and etiquette, San Jose Taiko’s philosophy, and basic taiko techniques, which emphasize large amplitude movements, full extensions, trunk rotations and using a loud voice. Care partners and family members are welcome to participate as well. Since COVID19, the program has moved to an online format and has students participating from all around the United States.
San Jose Taiko (Sydney Shiroyama) (California, U.S.A)
*Sydney is a facilitator for the live discussion panel of Taiko and Inclusivity! Please tune in!
Official Website: https://www.taikoconservatory.org/taikoforpd
Email: info@taiko.org
"Exadon 2020
- Connecting Heart to Heart with Taiko -"
"“Exadon” is an innovative fitness program run by Kodo Cultural foundation.
The name Exadon combines three words: “exercise,” “Sado,” an island in the Sea of Japan, and the sound of beating a taiko drum, “don.”
It’s a workshop that anyone can join, and it makes everyone feel happy.
In the video we talk about the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on Exadon and how we are moving forward in light of the ongoing pandemic.
What is really important right now for all of us to live happily in this world? Exadon nurtures the mind and soul and whether you are an adult or child, your mind and soul continue to grow.
Let’s ‘feel’ each other's vibrations through taiko and create a life that is abundant and enriches your heart."
To know more about Exadon, check out this video here: The Exadon Initiative: Taiko Drumming for Health Promotion + Preventive Healthcare (Full Intro)
Exadon, Kodo Cultural Foundation (Sado Island, Japan)
*Atsushi Sugano, Managing Director of Kodo Cultural Foundation will be discussing Taiko and Inclusivity in the live session this weekend!
Official Website:
Email: exadon@kodo.or.jp
"RYU - IKKYOKAN” Tosa Taiko Culture Research Association
"Do you like Taiko? To concentrate on things that you like or to perform hard is very wonderful.
We focus on our concentration. We keep trying hard, make an effort, produce results, and continue. If so, we can develop various kinds of strengths, which become our foundation.
To perform with your friend is so excellent! Each small strength can become a big one if it is brought together. At the same time, our wisdom becomes one.
We always enjoy having a great time. That is the purpose of Taiko. It is a way to improve ourselves.”
Composer / Conductor Hirokazu Myojin
RYU - IKKYOKAN
Tosa Taiko Culture Research Association
“Reflecting on 25 years of taiko in Australia”
"It’s really bright today. Can I wear my sunglasses while I play taiko?"
A student of mine surprised me with this question one day.
I knew in my heart that such a request would never be accepted in Japan.
But I answered, "OK. After all, we are in a country with extreme UV rays."
I had learned not to impose my values on others, but rather accept their differences instead.
Many taiko fans love the Japanese way-of-life (sometimes more than someone who is Japanese), and eager to learn more about the spirit of Japan.
There are also some who don't know much about the culture, but find pure enjoyment in playing taiko.
The seeds are the same, but when they are planted in a soil called 'diversity,' they begin to grow and flourish, bearing fruits of different colours and shapes.
We look back on the 25 years of taiko.
In a country home to many diverse cultures.
Toshi Sakamoto
Wadaiko Rindo, Melbourne, Australia
Topic 3
【TAIKO and COMMUNITY】
The Value of Taiko in Multicultural Societies
"Kraig Kenta Saito"
"Hello everyone at WTC! My name is Kraig Kenta Saito, based in Los Angeles, and I will be sharing my experiences with you, on how I play taiko with my physical limitations.
Thank you for watching my video, and I hope this inspires you to reach out and support the people around you, whether or not they have obvious physical disabilities.”
Kraig Kenta Saito (Los Angeles, U.S.A）
Official Email: kraig.saito@gmail.com
Kishin Daiko: http://www.kishindaiko.com
Rhythmic Flow Taiko: https://www.taiko-in.com/rhythmic-flow-taiko
Senryu Taiko: https://highlanderlink.ucr.edu/organization/senryutaiko
“Wadaiko Iroha”
Hi! We are Wadaiko Iroha!
Wadaiko Iroha is a team of people with an average age of 21 years old, all of whom are from the Wadaiko club in high school and who love taiko even after graduation.
The first met taiko, the way they relate to taiko, and their feelings for taiko are also different. This time, we are talking about how to meet taiko and thoughts of taiko, which also serves as a self-introduction for some members. At the end of the video, there is a little performance scene! Please take a look!
Thank you.
Wadiko Iroha (Tokyo, Japan)
“Bonten’s Indonesia Project”
The annual Japanese festival "Ennichisai" in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. In two days, about 300,000 people gather at this world’s largest Japanese festival. Bonten first appeared on the main stage, the center of the festival in 2016, and for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019, performed as the highlights of the main stage. Bonten’s performance inspired the locals to form their own taiko team. Bonten provides them with sheet music and taiko drums, and sometimes flies over there to help develop the local taiko community. Bonten also travels various parts of Indonesia to promote cultural exchange through taiko drumming.
BONTEN (Kanagawa, Japan)
Official Email：info@bonten-taiko.com
Official website: http://www.bonten-taiko.com/
“Canadian Taiko”
Here is a sample of groups and individuals across Canada, who came together to show the similar threads in their “Renshu” songs, and reflect on the connection they have over the vast country. How beautiful is Canada’s scenery!!
Thank you to the Canadian taiko groups and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Canadian Taiko (Alberta, Canada)
“Multiple European Taiko Groups”
In April - May 2020, taiko players in countries across Europe were all in lockdown because of the Coronavirus pandemic. 60 of them joined a Zoom course led by Jonathan Kirby and learned a composition: The Same River. At the end of the course, 37 of these players recorded a video of themselves playing part of the song; some had access to real drums, others improvised... The individual videos were then compiled to form the composite that you see here - people playing taiko together, despite the physical distance between them. This is a manifestation of "taiko without borders" - the subtitle of Jonathan Kirby's book: "The Way of the Drum".
Thank you to Jonathan Kirby, everyone who contributed to the video, and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
*Jonathan will be featured in the Live Talk sessions. Be sure to check it out!
Official website: https://kagemusha.com/taiko-store/the-way-of-the-drum/
“Kurt Griffith and Shangö Percussion”
Meet Kurt Griffith from West Virginia in the U.S.A.! Kurt was first exposed to taiko in the 1980’s with Soh Daiko in New York, and he’s finally back to playing taiko after 30 years! How awesome is that. Kurt is currently looking for others that would play taiko with him in the area, as well as extending his taiko skills to a new level with Shangö Percussion. Let Kurt know if you’re ever nearby!
Thank you to Kurt Griffith and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Kurt Griffith and Shangö Percussion (West Virginia, U.S.A）
Official Website：https://shangopercussion.org/
“Nen Daiko and #TaikoLove”
Contibutor from all over the world! →（Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, New Zealand, Spain and the United States)
Nen Daiko is the mastermind behind the annual TaikoLove photo and video challenge for taiko performers around the world! This video shares highlights from the 2020 challenge - 23 video posts and 57 photo posts from the contributors, who are from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, New Zealand, Spain and the United States. Thank you to all the contributors for sharing photos and videos on these 10 themes. Much #TaikoLove to you all!
Thank you to Nen Daiko, contributors of #TaikoLove, and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Nen Daiko (Virginia, U.S.A)
Learn more about the TaikoLove challenge at http://nendaiko.weebly.com/taikolove.html
See the list of the TaikoLove contributors at http://nendaiko.weebly.com/taikolove-participants.html
#TaikoLove
“Kona Hongwanji Taiko Group”
Kona Hongwanji Taiko Group from Hawai’i! They play a bon odori style of taiko and perform at many bon dances, playing 35-40 songs a night (at one dance that has no breaks, we play non-stop for over 3 hours!) In this video, they share a unique way of blending taiko and bon dancing! Check out the modern song bon dancing and taiko！
Mahalo to Kona Hongwanji Taiko Group and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Kona Hongwanji Taiko Group (Hawaii, U.S.A)
Official Website: http://www.konahongwanji.org/taiko
“Puna Taiko”
Commissioned by the Resident Minister at Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, "Genki Ondo" is a song and odori composed for the temple's Virtual Obon Festival which was held in July of 2020. The dance was choreographed by Sharyse Molina, and the music was written by Paul Sakamoto and Betty Masterson. The first portion of this segment is a tutorial which teaches and explains the symbolism of each dance step and is followed by the debut performance of the piece. The dance tutorial and music score can be found on their website. Puna Taiko invites you to please feel free to learn, perform and share "Genki Ondo" in the years to come!
Mahalo to Puna Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Puna Taiko (Hawaii, U.S.A)
Official Website：http://www.punataiko.com/
“Great Lakes Taiko Center and Mushi Okuri Project 2020”
Mushi Okuri Project 2020 - Send Away Coronavirus! Meet Eileen Ho from Ann Arbor, Michigan She invited members of the Great Lakes Taiko Center community to join together in song and share their positive energy with the world!
Thank you to Great Lakes Taiko Center, Raion Taiko, and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Great Lakes Taiko Center , Raion Taiko (Michigan, U.S.A)
Official Website：https://michigantaiko.net/
“Ho Etsu Taiko”
Ho Etsu Taiko from Chicago, Illinois, performed in part of a protest by the families of those who are incarcerated at the Cook County Jail, and alongside Nikkei Uprising, in support of criminal justice reform. Songs featured were "Ei Ja Nai Ka" by PJ Hirabayshi and Yoko Fujimoto, "Rotations" and "Hanami" by Jason Matsumoto, with video and edits by Ty Yamamoto.
Thank you to Ho Etsu and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Ho Etsu Taiko (Illinois, U.S.A)
Official Website：https://www.hoetsu.org/
“Taiko with Toni and Lance”
Just watch and have fun! Always great to watch Toni and Lance jam, right? Did YOU sign up for TCA membership this year?
Thank you Taiko with Toni and Lance, and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Taiko with Toni (Colorado, U.S.A)
Official Website：https://taikowithtoni.com/
“Wadaiko Newark”
Here’s Wadaiko Newark from Newark, California! They are a local taiko group hosted by the Newark Adult School. You can tell through the video that they practice with a lot of repertoire!
Thank you Wadaiko Newark and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Wadaiko Newark (California, U.S.A)
Official Website： http://wadaikonewark.org/
"Tatsumaki" by Jun Daiko
Meet Jun Daiko, a taiko group full of friends! Find out how the group was formed, and see the variety of classes they teach upon supporting the Mountain View Buddhist Temple in California. They also help bring in workshop opportunities, and take part in community activities to support each other.
Thank you Jun Daiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Jun Daiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Website: https://jundaiko.com/
"Frontline Taiko Players"
Frontline Taiko Players shares their experiences in bringing taiko for protests to racial justice, and the movement for Black Lives in Los Angeles. See how people react to taiko music, and how it brings the movement together!
Thank you Frontline Taiko Players and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Frontline Taiko Players (California, U.S.A)
"Sonoma County Taiko"
Sonoma County Taiko from California, shows us a visual update on how they’re doing during the pandemic including one socially-distanced, mobile street performance for Santa Rosa Open & Out on September 19, and their first reopening class in the parking lot of the dojo on October 17.
Thank you Sonoma County Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Sonoma County Taiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Webite: https://sonomacountytaiko.org/
"Mark H Taiko"
We loved Mark’s skit he made! Didn’t we all feel somewhat of what he had in the video this year? We are cheering on everyone who is/will be keeping their positive spirits up during this difficult time. This is what the taiko community is for. Support each other! Go watch more of Mark H Rooney’s videos on his Youtube!
Thank you Mark H Taiko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Sonoma County Taiko (California, U.S.A)
Official Webite: https://sonomacountytaiko.org/
"Highlights of 2019 kaDON Retreat with Kaoly Asano"
Established in 2014.
Even though we originally were going to submit a video highlighting the TimbreTaiko and share how folks have used it during these times, it was almost like taiko fate intervened and started reminding us through those timely Facebook memories that around this time last year, we had just wrapped up an incredible 4-days at the 2019 kaDON Retreat in the Midwest. There, we got to meet Kaoly Asano of GOCOO for the first time and experience her energy and positivity through her composition ELEVEN. Last year for Taikothon, we shared a performance of ELEVEN presented by Kaoly and the kaDON Retreat attendees. So this year, we wanted to share some of the highlights and happenings of the retreat itself, including the workshops, campfire hangouts, and our recital where retreat participants got to perform kaDON repertoire together. Seeing these memories from last year really ignited a spark of hope and joy that we all really needed at this time...we hope sharing these highlights will do the same for you...and hopefully when all this is over, we'll see you at the next kaDON Retreat!
kaDON (U.S.A）
Official Website：https://kadon.com/
“Tokoharu” by Dondoko Taiko
Watch this beautiful taiko wedding performance by Dekoboko Taiko! Tokoharu or "Everlasting Spring" is a song written by Lamond Le, written to commemorate his marriage to fellow member, Maggie. Earlier this year, they exchanged the song with Yawatahama Miyabi-gumi (a group in Japan that Maggie played with) during their group trip to Japan. Dekoboko Taiko hopes to reunite with them again to play this song together in a world that will feel like an everlasting spring.
Thank you Dekoboko and TCA for letting WTC share this video that was initially submitted to Taikothon 2020!
Dondoko Taiko (Texas, U.S.A)
Official Website: https://dondokotaiko.com/
"4 Loco LadiesTalk Taiko"
Introduction to the 4 Loco Ladies and the Taiko Roadtrip Challenge
4 Loco Ladies is a collaborative of taiko ladies representing four different nationalities. They came together in 2020 with the aim to connect, create, and perform together as part of a Taiko Roadtrip Challenge. In this video, they explain the challenge and what it means to each of them. For more details about each of these women, watch their “TOPIC 1: Taiko as Performing Arts” video submission.
The 4 Loco Ladies invite the community to ‘come along for the ride’ and encourage you to engage with them through interactive posts on Instagram and Facebook (@4locoladies).
4 Loco Ladies are: Romi Taverna (Argentina), Isabel Romeo (Spain), Chiara Codetta (Italy), Mel Ski (Australia)
Audio:
“Naru” composed by Romi Taverna, performed by Zen Daiko.
"Rekka" composed by Masayuki Sakamoto, performed by Taiko Lecco.
"Introducing: TAIKO BASTARDS"
Formed in 2020, TAIKO BASTARDS are an international collaborative group based in Germany and Belgium who offer a unique and musically creative approach to the art of Kumi-Daiko. With each member coming from a different background, they fuse together the many facets and playing styles of modern Kumi-Daiko. Watch this video to learn a little bit more about each of the members. Also check out their piece “Wombat Combat”, now available for the community to learn as part of the WTC2020 Taiko Composition Library.
TAIKO BASTARDS are Ingmar Kikat, Mel Ski, Jonas vom Orde and Steven Cools.
Contact:
TB are always happy to hear from you!
Find them on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook (@taikobastards) or contact them through email at taikobastards@gmail.com and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
"Benten"
Benten is a wadaiko group based in Jakarta - Indonesia, with members, consist of Indonesian and Japanese who stay in the country.
Under the wings of Kobayashi Masataka - founder of Bonten and Mirai Taiko School, the group was formed in 2016 and debuted in 2017.
The group has participated in various events and travelled across the country to promote taiko. Seeing the high-interest for taiko in Indonesia, Benten established a beginner class for children and adults who are interested to learn.
Benten (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Contact:
Official email: benteng.miraitaikojkt@gmail.com
"The Nikkei Heroes of United States"
Thank you for watching.
Obon festivals, hosted by Buddhist churches -a crucial monument of Nikkei society- was the origin of taiko in the United States.
In the 1970's, taiko was then incorporated into public performances, and evolved into the embodiment of much sought "Nikkei Pride," which spread across the United States, and the rest of the world, eventually embracing people other than Nikkei as well.
”Sado no Kuni Ondekoza" and "Kodo" lived alongside, and witnessed that giant wave of taiko spreading.
Even though currently a variety of groups exist worldwide, taiko comrade is still taiko family. And at any age, I believe that the endless innovation, and unwavering spirit of hospitality of the Nikkei community will spin a thread that gently connects this diverse world.
Yoko Fujimoto (Sado Island, Japan)
Official Website:
-
PJ Hirabayashi’sWebsite: https://taikopeace.love
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Kodo Website: https://www.kodo.or.jp/en/
"Bother Drum" by Kagemusha Taiko
"Brother Drum" is a song about international reconciliation and friendship. The key message, reaching out and asking to be friends, is as relevant today as it has ever been.
This arrangement of the song is performed by a group of taiko players and folk musicians from Japan, USA and the UK - brought together by taiko. They embody the community message of the song.
Composer: Jonathan Kirby
Performance Location: Exeter, UK.
Johnatan Kirby, Kagemusha Taiko (UK)
*Jonathan is also one of our speakers for the panel discussion, Taiko and Community<GLOBAL> held on November 21st. Stay tuned!
Official Website: https://kagemusha.com/
"30 Years of Collegiate Taiko in the United States"
Join us as we celebrate 30 wild and wonderful years of collegiate taiko in the United States (1990 – 2020), where we explore its early origins, historic development, and monumental impact on the global taiko community.
Narrator: Josh Yoon
Translations: Joe Small & Ben Pachter
Music: SciFunk, performed by Stanford Taiko (2017)
Featuring：Joshua Yoon, UCLA Kyodo Taiko, Stanford Taiko, UCIrvine Jodaiko, Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational, East Coast Taiko Conference, Cal Raijin Taiko, Kazenodaichi, Columbia Taiko, Asayake Taiko, Yukai Daiko, Taiko Tides, Touzan Taiko, Gendo Taiko, Jishin Taiko, Swarthmore Taiko, Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan, UConn Kodama Taiko, Taiko Community Alliance, Eitetsu Hayashi
"It's what lies beneath that's important"
"People around the world play taiko for many different reasons. Many people around the world also teach and play taiko for the same reasons, regardless of their nationality or where they live. The power of taiko to change people's lives is very real, and is explored in this video with particular reference to young people in the UK and the UK Taiko Festival."
Jonathan Kirby, Kagemusha Taiko (UK)
*Jonathan is also one of our speakers for the panel discussion, Taiko and Community<GLOBAL> held on November 21st. Stay tuned!
Email：JK@kagemusha.com
Official Website: www.kagemusha.com
"Foyle O-Bon Festival"
"A short film showing the beautiful lantern designs created by our Foyle O-Bon taiko family and friends during Lockdown. Lanterns are a huge part of our annual Obon festival and even though we sadly had to cancel this year, we were determined to light our lanterns and celebrate our community and bring a little bit of hope to 2020. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for Northern Ireland we were able to do just that. This beautiful film is the result. We hope it brings a bit of hope and light to you all in these strange times xx"
Fiona Umetsu, Foyle O-Bon Festival (Derry, Northern Ireland)
Email：obononthefoyle@gmail.com
Official Website: japanesefestivalsireland.com
"NEO HAYASHI"
"Covid-19 can’t beat us! This was our slogan when stating this online ensemble project.
NEO Hayashi, is a music ensemble that creates a modern twist on festival music, allowing anyone to play, especially during these trying times when many festivals have been cancelled. We were able to collect about 70 videos and audio files in advance, and about 50 additional people who played together online over Zoom for a total of about 120 people playing together as an online festival. This was an online community that has sprung during our time at home this year.Regardless of the degree of experience, everyone had just the same amount of fun in this video we are sharing."
RETSU composed by Bunta Satoh, arranged by Sota Asano
Email：hue.bunta@gmail.com
Official Website:
NEOHAYASHI: http://sato-bunta.boo.jp/shinhayashi/
Satoh Bunta: http://on-l.net/satoh-bunta/
Asano sota: https://www.sotaasano-taiko.com/
"Mushi Okuri Worldwide"
“In this pandemic situation, our connections with people changed due to the online activity and at some point expanded.
This is how taiko players from 4 different countries came together to play, share and have a good time creating a video of Mushi Okuri from around the world. It was a beautiful cooperative work, learning from each other, but mostly a reminder that we are never alone when you have such a beautiful community around.
Social distance made us discover a different kind of gathering and, paradoxically, it crossed basic distance boundaries.
Here we are in this virtual dojo with what we had: drums, eco-drums, cushions, plastic containers, pvc pipes and metals.”
From Mika Ramirez (Japan), Mónica Vedia - TaikoMon(Spain), Raion Taiko (USA) and ZenDaiko (Argentina)!
@taikomon
@raiontaiko
@zendaiko
@romitaverna
"River City Taiko"
“Hello from River City Taiko in Richmond, VA USA.
We are proud to introduce one of our special performing members, Toshiko.
She immigrated to the USA in 1973.
After so many decades of hard work as an immigrant, she finally met taiko.
Please see how she is enjoying her taiko life now not only playing, but also by making so many handsome taiko stuffs!"”
River City Taiko (Virginia, U.S.A)
Wadaiko Band "GOCOO"
“Gocoo is a wadaiko band, performing in various international performances.
Formed in 1997, the members of Gocoo have created a unique groove and musicality that brings people together.
This video is from the Filipino-Japan exchange obon festival in Cebu, Philippines, with a performance by Gocoo, and a workshop session with children in need.
This project was made possible by DAREDEMO HERO, a Japanese volunteer group, and Cebu Nihonjin-Kai.
At the obon festival, we were able to play the piece, “ELEVEN” with the children all together.
Poverty is a serious issue, but through taiko, I was able to meet children with a pure heart, and it helped me rethink what true affluence and true happiness really is. It was also an opportunity to discover the potential of taiko in a multi-cultural society.”
GOCOO (Tokyo, Japan)
Official Email: office@gocoo.tv
Official Website: http://jp.gocoo.tv/
"Meet PJ Hirabayashi "
"PJ Hirabayashi is the Artistic Director Emeritus, former Artistic Director, and founding member of San Jose Taiko (SJT), a world-class performing ensemble of taiko drummers. She is a pioneer of North American taiko, recognized in the international taiko community for her distinctive performance and teaching style that combines movement, dance, drumming, fluidity, joy, and energy.
PJ's current project is TaikoPeace, an extension of Karen Armstrong's Charter for Compassion. As a certified Peace Ambassador for the Shift Network's Summer of Peace 2012, PJ seeks to inspire personal, social, and global change through the music and art of taiko drumming.
In 2011, PJ was honored along with her husband Roy Hirabayashi as National Heritage Fellows, which is the highest honor in folk and traditional arts in the United States.”
PJ Hirabayashi (San Jose, California, U.S.A)
Official Email: pj@taikopeace.love
Official Website : https://taikopeace.love/
"Khilibe's Taiko Kitchen"
"My video explains the idea of taiko through food and cooking. I heard this metaphor the first time by Yoshihiko Miyamoto at the third European Taiko Conference. Afterwards Masayuki Sakamoto told me not to stress about soloing but thinking of it as when I cook. Lately we were lucky to have many taiko friends visiting: cooking for them with them has been amazing as playing together!
A little of my taiko story: when I first saw taiko in 2006, I decided I had to play it! But I could not find any group in Milan area by that time. In 2011 I got the occasion! A car hit me and with the insurance money I went to Japan, studied naname style for two months with Mizuho Zako, from Oedo Sukeroku and bought a taiko.
Back in Italy I met Taiko Lecco in 2012 and since then I practice and perform with them. I conduct and assist workshops in school with kids too. I deepen my practice writing a thesis in anthropology about taiko in the US particularly on Kurai sensei and TCLA activities, and going to study in Japan: lately the Kodo programme RoK blew my mind with new perspectives and stimuli!
I am thrilled to be part of a transnational amazing community!”
Chiara Codetta (Taiko Lecco - Como, Italy)
"Matoi no Kai"
"Matoi no Kai is a gathering of taiko players mainly from the Aichi prefecture area, that values the exchanges of ideas and networking with one another.
Since its establishment in summer of 2017, we currently have around 30 members representing 11 taiko groups.
We make frequent trips to meet other groups, and observe various festivals in the area. They all play in their own respective groups, and come together as Matoi no Kai, under the theme of community gathering through taiko.”
Matoi no Kai (Aiichi Prefecture, Japan)
Official Email: matoinokai.taiko@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.shun-matoinokai.com/matoinokai
まといの会
神谷俊一郎
松平わ太鼓
夢童
夢眩
聚楽集煉
梵迦
一宮太鼓保存会
和太鼓火ノ丸
後夜祭
和太鼓〜欅〜
和太鼓零〜ZERO〜
大崎しおかぜ太鼓
創作和太鼓集団 打鼓音
和楽器集団 八樂
"kaDON"
"The kaDON team welcomes everyone to the virtual World Taiko Conference and shares our three goals as a resource for the worldwide taiko community. kaDON is the U.S. branch of Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten. Its mission is to empower the taiko community through subscription-based online taiko and fue lessons, uniquely organized in-person taiko events, and an online store that offers access to Miyamoto's quality instruments."
kaDON ( United States - Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago and Japan - Tokyo)
Official Email: info@kaDON.com
Official Website: kaDON.com
Join Our Newsletter Mailing List: https://kadon.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9c1f421b0a37c54f41c73b173&id=a65e97f640
"Hatonomori Ai no Uta"
"My first drumming experience began when I was invited to participate in a drumming workshop for the staff at my children's nursery school, Hatonomori Ai no Uta. It began with a hard-earned encounter at the Araumaza training camp in Nagano Prefecture, a three-day intensive course in Chichibu Yatai-bayashi.
At Hatomonomori, there are several children with disabilities in each class, and both the children and staff respect the pace of them, and as you can see in the video, the next child is in a bit of a bind when he doesn't change his turn, but we don't push him away, knowing that if he taps at his own pace until he's satisfied, he'll switch, so we wait You can see it.
Until ten years ago, I was the president of the Hatonomori staff and parents' drumming team, Yui, which was also a training ground for new employees.
It was hard work to find a place to practice and transport the drums, but I was happy to take the opportunity of the WTC to visit the nursery for the first time in a long time and see the growth of the staff who were new to the nursery at the time.”
Yuko SUTO ( Japan , Tokyo)
Official Email: yuko.suto02@gmail.com
Official Website: http://www.hatonomori.jp/
" Australia and New Zealand Taiko Conference 2021 "
Australia and New Zealand Taiko Conference 2021
1-3rd October
"We collected the voices of taiko people across Australia and New Zealand for this video and realised that many drummers are looking for ways to learn more.
This conference is a great opportunity for all levels of taiko players, beginners to veterans alike, to get together and update their skills and knowledge of Taiko in an environment where everyone can learn from each other.
There are many taiko friends in the world. If you are looking to make new connections for your Taiko activities and connect with other taiko practitioners to share thoughts and ideas about taiko. Why don't you join us and take it one step further?"
Guest instructors:
Eichi Saito (KODO)
Graham Hilgendorf (YuNiOn)
Kerryn Joyce(Taikoz)
Akitoshi Asano(The Asano Foundation for Taiko Culture Research)
Australia and New Zealand Taiko Conference 2021 Committee
Enquiries: Taikokoro Inc. anztc@taikokoro.org
Official Website: https://taikokoro.org/
" Byron Taiko"
BYRON TAIKO is a Byron local community group that came out from the annual matsuri “Japan Festival Byron Bay” aiming to introduce unique Japanese culture and heritage to young generations and local Australians.
We are promoting this clip to ask world wide Taiko players to come down to Byron Bay for performance and workshops.
Byron Taiko / Japan Festival Byron Bay (Byron Bay, Australia)
Enquiries: japanfestivalbyronbay@gmail.com
Official Website: http://byrontaiko.com/japanfestival2020.html
http://byrontaiko.com/index.html
Japan Festival Byron Bay
Byron Taiko
" Byron Taiko"
"TAIKO WEST was established in 2002 by James Barrow, who was a member of the HIROSHIMA TAIKO HOZONKAI for 4 years in the late 1980s and set up the UK's first traditional taiko group, AKATSUKI DAIKO, in 1993.
Rather than being a conventional “taiko group”, TAIKO WEST is more like an ongoing Taiko Education project, with numerous schools-based & adult community groups coming under the umbrella of the organisation. In recent years, our Schools & Communities Project expanded to include 8 separate venues (schools & community halls) hosting a total of 20+ classes with 75+ kids & teenagers, and 150+ adults attending weekly or monthly, working towards numerous local community performances.
All of this work came to a complete stop with the UK's Covid lockdown, but since then we have successfully kept our momentum by switching all our focus into teaching structured 5-week courses online since May 2020.
Please get in touch anytime - we're always happy to talk about Taiko!"
James Barrow - TAIKO WEST (Shropshire, UK)
Enquiries: james@taikowest.com
Official Website: www.taikowest.com
"My Journey Up To The WTC"
"I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone around the world! The WTC team that I was a part of, has made our great effort in bringing the taiko community together during this difficult time. I look back in my life journey so far, and I realize the taiko community has always been my support. In the first half of this video, I look back at my journey to WTC, and the second half shows what I personally wanted to share with you through this conference opportunity. Thank you all for all your support in making WTC happen!"
Yoshihiko Miyamoto (Tokyo, Japan)
Official Website:
https://www.miyamoto-unosuke.co.jp/english/