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San Jose Taiko

Japantown·San Jose, CA·USAest. 1973

Long-running San Jose Japantown ensemble that helped codify Japanese American taiko as an art form distinct from Japanese tradition.

Third taiko group founded in the US; defining Japanese American kumi-daiko ensemble.

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Same family

Other taiko drumming ensembles

Kodo
Sado Island (Kodo Village) · Japan · 1981

Professional Sado Island ensemble that defines modern kumi-daiko on the world stage, touring with the One Earth Tour since the 1980s.

Ondekoza
Sado Island (originally) / Tokyo · Japan · 1969

The seminal 'demon drum group' that launched the modern taiko ensemble tradition and trained the players who later formed Kodo. Community taiko ensembles typically train weekly on nagado-daiko and shime-daiko, perform at local festivals, and teach beginners through open workshops.

Yamato - The Drummers of Japan
Asuka-mura · Japan · 1993

Nara-based touring ensemble known for athletic choreography and a theatrical, full-evening concert format. Community taiko ensembles typically train weekly on nagado-daiko and shime-daiko, perform at local festivals, and teach beginners through open workshops.

Hono Daiko
Hakui · Japan · 1986

All-women professional ensemble whose fiery O-daiko playing helped open kumi-daiko to women as a profession. Community taiko ensembles typically train weekly on nagado-daiko and shime-daiko, perform at local festivals, and teach beginners through open workshops.

San Francisco Taiko Dojo
San Francisco, CA · USA · 1968

The original North American taiko dojo; trained generations of US players and seeded the Cherry Blossom Festival drum tradition. Community taiko ensembles typically train weekly on nagado-daiko and shime-daiko, perform at local festivals, and teach beginners through open workshops.

Kinnara Taiko
Los Angeles, CA · USA · 1969

Temple-based ensemble founded by Rev. Masao Kodani that established the do-it-yourself Buddhist taiko model copied by dozens of US temples.