Drumspeak - Japanese Taiko Drumming Ensemb Japanese taiko drumming for corporate events, weddings, parties and schools

We need a flat performance area of about 20 ft wide by 15 ft deep (at least 10 ft by 15 ft for a smaller setup), and about 45 minutes to load in and set up. We can perform indoors or outdoors. Taiko is acoustic, so no power is needed for the drums themselves. Please let us load in from a spot near the performance space.

The address, where to park and load in, how far the load-in point is from the performance space, and whether there are stairs or elevators. Since taiko is very loud, please also let us know about any noise restrictions at the venue.

Taiko drums are acoustic and loud enough for most spaces without amplification. We can bring a small PA for announcements or speaking if needed. We do not provide lighting.

No

One of our most memorable performances was at the Loha Music Festival in Ecuador, playing outdoors at night and looking up at the stars while we played. Other highlights include performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

We love performing for young audiences at schools, where students get to try the drums themselves. We also really enjoy corporate events, weddings and festivals, where a short, high-energy taiko set can open the evening or make a memorable moment.

Our members trained with the taiko group Amanojaku in Tokyo, toured internationally, and also record taiko for film and video game soundtracks, including Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Blue Eye Samurai. We are grateful to have performed for hundreds of clients over the years, including over 100 school shows throughout Los Angeles.

Our biggest influence is Yoichi Watanabe of the Tokyo-based taiko ensemble Amanojaku. Our founder spent more than 20 years in the group, from childhood into adulthood, and Mr. Watanabe has been like a father to him. His approach to taiko shapes everything we do.

Taiko are traditional Japanese drums, played for centuries at festivals, shrines and celebrations. Today taiko is performed as an ensemble art, combining powerful rhythms with dynamic movement. Our performances use drums of different sizes, from small high-pitched drums to large drums you can feel in your chest, along with Japanese bamboo flute.

We arrive about 45 minutes to an hour before the performance to load in and set up. For receptions, dinners and parties, we usually recommend a 10-15 minute high-energy set, since taiko is very loud. For festivals, galas and cultural events, taiko can be a longer, featured part of the program. School assemblies run about 40-45 minutes.

Yes. We perform outdoors often and only need a flat, level area. No power is needed for the drums. Shade is appreciated on hot days.

We perform our own taiko repertoire, and we are happy to shape the set around your event, such as timing a performance for an entrance, a reveal or the start of a program. For schools and some events, we can include audience participation where guests learn a rhythm and play the drums.

“Their performance was electric! Their skill and artistry were impeccable! Their engagement with the audience, magical! Both children and adults alike were mesmerized!”— Sandra Marsh, Quincy Jones Elementary School