Come and perform at EC with your group, fellow taiko enthusiasts, and Kodo. You’ll create a special concert together and drum your hearts out! Big Little Taiko Fest returns for the fourth year in a row. This year, this event is moving to an indoor venue, in light of the extreme summer heat in recent years. This change ensures a safer and more comfortable setting for the performers and audience alike. This is an open call to teams from around the world, but only five can take part. Let’s add more good vibrations to the EC weekend with Big Little Taiko Fest. We look forward to hearing from you!

Aug. 22 (Sat), 2026 14:00–15:30

Ayusu Hall

Feb. 8 (Sun)–Apr. 26 (Sun) *Participants will be selected by lottery if we receive more applications than spaces available. * All applicants will receive notification of selection results by May 1 (Fri).

・Six taiko groups will take part in this performance: five applicant groups + Kodo. ・Kodo and each taiko group will perform separately first, and everyone will perform together for the finale. ・Each group will have approx. 10 mins. to perform. (1-2 pieces) ・For the finale, all groups will play Kodo’s One Earth Music composition "Haruka” and "Shunpuu" together. ・From 12:00 on Aug. 22 (Sat), there will be a pre-event rehearsal and collaboration practice.

・Applications are open to taiko groups from Japan and overseas. ・You can form a new group just for EC. You don’t need to be an established taiko team to apply. ・Groups must be able to participate in the pre-event rehearsal on Aug. 22 (Sat) at 12:00. ・The recommended group size is around 10 performers per application. ・Groups need to arrange and cover their own accommodation and transportation, etc. ・Groups will be asked to bring their own instruments if at all possible. (Please discuss your needs with us during the application process. We have a limited number of taiko, stands, etc., that groups can borrow.)

・Groups who take part in Big Little Taiko Fest will receive complimentary tickets for one EC 2026 Harbour Concert. (Up to 10 “Area A” tickets per group* for one of the three concerts) *For groups taking part from overseas with over 10 performers, 1 ticket per person will be provided. *If you wish to view the performances from any area other than Area A, please purchase a ticket.

Please apply via the form below.

Participants will be selected by lottery if we receive more applications than spaces available. All applicants will receive notification of selection results by May 1 (Fri).

If your group is selected, we will contact you to request further details and to help you start preparing for your performance. *All applicants will receive notification of selection results by May 1 (Fri).

Earth Celebration Committee (Attention: Chihiro Watanabe) Tel. +81-259-81-4100 (Mon–Fri, 9:30–17:00 [JST]）*Assistance in Japanese only Earth Celebration Inquiries Form

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