The music of San Jose Taiko weaves traditional Japanese sounds with the beat of world rhythms. At San Jose Taiko, Japanese, African, Balinese, Latin, American rock and jazz merge to produce an innovative contemporary sound. With the power and beauty of taiko at its center, San Jose Taiko aims to transcend cultural boundaries and to foster greater understanding of Japanese American culture.

Celebrating their 36th anniversary this year, San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973 by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans, or Sansei. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko, the Japanese drum, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan and its people, replete with continued possibilities, renewal and transformation. The practice and performance of taiko requires selfless dedication, physical endurance, harmony, and a collective spirit.

With its roots in the folk tradition of Japan, the taiko has served many purposes. Priests used taiko to chase evil spirits and insects from the rice fields; samurai used taiko to bolster their courage and to instill fear in the enemy; villagers used taiko to pray for rain, to enliven festivals, and to give thanks for bountiful harvests. San Jose Taiko has adopted these traditional values and infused the art of taiko with the vitality and freshness of their American spirit to create a dynamic and compelling Asian American art form.

Public concerts and school performances with workshops for schools and communities.
Availability:  General