Now in its fourth year, Big Little Taiko Fest brings Kodo and taiko groups from around the globe together to create a joyful, collaborative performance during EC. The Fest showcases each team’s unique style and flair. Come and enjoy the diverse taiko offerings by the five groups joining Kodo this year from Japan and overseas. The finale will feature an all-in collaboration on two Kodo One Earth Music pieces: Haruka and Shunpuu. We’re sure this energetic taiko extravaganza will leave you buzzing.

Aug. 22 (Sat) 14:00–15:30

Ayusu Hall

Approx. 250 people

Big Little Taiko Fest participating teams, Kodo

Free event This is a free event with a limited audience capacity. Staff will stop admitting people if the venue becomes too crowded.

Get to know the teams by reading their self introductions below, then come and cheer them on!

Founded in 2014, La Jolla Taiko is based at La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla, California. Rooted in the traditions of Japanese taiko while embracing contemporary expression and diverse musical influences, La Jolla Taiko strives to create performances that foster connection, energy, and shared experience through rhythm. La Jolla Taiko is a community dedicated to taiko practice, learning, and artistic exchange. Through classes, workshops, and performances, they welcome participants of all ages and experience levels, encouraging creativity, discipline, and mutual support through the art of taiko. ▶︎ Website ▶︎ Instagram ▶︎ Facebook

Narukami Taiko hails from far-away New Zealand! Jessie Gibbs, the founder of Narukami, discovered her passion for taiko at university and has travelled far and wide to learn and perform. Since 2014, she has been sharing this passion with the group, which has grown to over 80 players. They are a very keen team of diverse and colourful people, of all ages and stages of life, from a wide range of backgrounds. The group plays hard, with zest and joy. For Narukami Taiko, it is all about having fun, laughing and learning, and connecting with others—whether a teammate or an audience member. They aim to bring this indomitable spirit to their performances. Narukami Taiko is excited to be performing in Japan for the first time at this special place and event. In fact, this will be the team’s first overseas performance! ▶︎ Website ▶︎ Instagram ▶︎ Facebook

Founded in 1999, Makoto Taiko is a vibrant, Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and empowering people of all backgrounds through the art of Japanese taiko drumming. Now one of the largest community taiko groups in the United States, it serves over 200 members ranging from ages 8 to 85, fostering a supportive, multigenerational environment that promotes physical exercise and mental well-being. Along with 20 classes a week available to our local community, we have 4 main performing groups: Youth, Senior, Community Class, and our Makoto Performance Group featuring instructors, leaders, and advanced performers. Makoto Taiko beautifully balances exceptional artistic excellence with a deep-rooted dedication to its community,actively sharing this energetic art form through widespread outreach, interactive workshops, and civic performances. By anchoring its rigorous training in the spirit of respect, sincerity, and integrity, Makoto Taiko breaks down barriers and creates powerful opportunities for connection, learning, and shared celebration. ▶︎ Website ▶︎ Instagram

Based in Kyoto, UNiSON’s performances transcend genres, focusing on the new encounters and connections they make through music. Having loved attending Big Little Taiko Fest every year, the group is thrilled to finally be taking the stage themselves this time! They will pour their hearts into this performance to make sure everyone there has a wonderful time! ▶︎ Website ▶︎ Instagram ▶︎ YouTube

Sen Wadaiko Group is a traditional Japanese instrument ensemble of young performers in their teens and twenties. For Big Little Taiko Fest, they will unite members from across the Kanto and Kansai regions on Sado, showcasing the powerful chemistry their distinct origins and experiences spark on stage. Through this performance, the group aims to share their unique music and invite the audience into the vibrant new world they conjure together. Members: Towa Kato, Jin Moriyasu, Miku Kobayashi, Seho Oka, Ryunosuke Kato, Sorata Shibuya