Taiko Drumming Getting Foothold In U.S.

Above, a taiko drummer performs in Little Tokyo at New Year's celebration.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japanese taiko drumming seems to be taking off in popularity on the West Coast of the United States.

The Japan Times reports:

KANAZAWA, Ishikawa Pref. — With the dream of raising Japanese "taiko" drumming to worldwide prominence, a centuries-old maker of the traditional instruments is creating a business foothold in Los Angeles. 

Encouraged by a steep increase in sales of taiko drums in the United States, Asano Taiko Co. has been preparing to open a Los Angeles shop and launch a course in taiko lessons in July since setting up a U.S. subsidiary last June. 

In recent years, ensemble taiko drumming has become a popular pastime, particularly among Japanese-Americans on the West Coast. Nationwide, roughly 300 taiko ensembles have sprouted up.

I have seen taiko drumming performances at Oshogatsu (New Year's Day) celebrations in Little Tokyo and they are quite entertaining.

To read the full article, go here.