Every year, some japanese taiko groups cruise the globe on tour. Surely they are not as mainstream as J-Pop, visual kei and so on, and they tend to perform in music halls, auditoriums or stage theaters instead of stadiums and arenas, but whoever has been to one of its shows, may agree it’s absolutely outstanding.
They are usually a mishmash of an extraordinary performance, coordination, choreography, strength, acrobatics and even some sparks of humor. I’m going to show you the most important ones… or the ones I know. Have you ever been to a taiko concert? What are your impressions about it? Do you happen to know more taiko groups?
[size=200:2b7zsgfz][b:2b7zsgfz]Yamato: Drummers of Japan[/b:2b7zsgfz][/size:2b7zsgfz]
They are perhaps one of the most famous taiko bands. Their set scenery is superb as well as its technique. Based on the historical Asuka Village in Nara, they are active since 1993. They have a big amount of energy and their upbeat pieces are superb.
[b:2b7zsgfz]TOUR 2012:[/b:2b7zsgfz] If you live in East Europe, then you are lucky: Yamato’s coming to town! February and march in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. http://www.yamato.jp/schedule/e_index.html
[size=200:2b7zsgfz][b:2b7zsgfz]Tao: The Art of Japan Drum[/b:2b7zsgfz][/size:2b7zsgfz]
My personal faves. Their style is very ecclectic. They play upbeat matsuri pieces as well as soft chill ones or extraordinary strength demonstration. According to his leader, they plan their show as if it was a movie soundtrack, with a great variety of feelings and quite a few impressive interludes.They were formed back in 1993 in Aichi, but 2 years later they moved to Ôita in Kyushu island, and with permission of the authorities, they settle up their headquarters right next to Aso-Kuju National Park, in constant contact with nature: Grandioso Ranch. They also offer live concerts there. There are two TAOs: The yellow TAO tours around Japan, and the best ones are promoted to red Tao, the ones who hit abroad.
[b:2b7zsgfz]TOUR 2012:[/b:2b7zsgfz] They will be around USA and Toronto in february & march. http://www.drum-tao.com/en/north_americ … edule.html
[size=200:2b7zsgfz][b:2b7zsgfz]Kôdo[/b:2b7zsgfz][/size:2b7zsgfz]
Also a very famous one. They have been around for 30 years, and the age range is more wide. However, the type of music they play is not as varied as it seems. They spend a third of the year touring overseas, another third touring around Japan and they rest and prepare more material from their headquarters in Sado Island (nothing to do with Hamada Masatoshi xD). There, in Sado Island there is also a taiko exchange festival, where all the big ones get together, perform live and exchange ideas. For their 30th anniversary, they are making this One Earth Tour.
[b:2b7zsgfz]TOUR 2012:[/b:2b7zsgfz] January - March around Europe. Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg http://www.kodo.or.jp/oet/oet2012b_en.html
There are also minor taiko schools from japanese high schools and universities that often make cultural exchanges. Perhaps they’re not that professional, but they are pretty much enjoyable.
If they stop anywhere next to you, I suggest you to give them a chance. You won’t regret it!