Core Programs
Concerts
Since 2009, Makoto Taiko has consistently presented high-quality annual concerts for audiences as large as 1,300 attendees. Past guest artists include accomplished musicians such as Grammy Award-winning taiko master Koji Nakamura, Grammy Award-winning koto musician Yukiko Matsuyama, Grammy-nominated taiko artists Shoji Kameda, Grammy winner ukulele virtuoso Daniel Ho, Grand Taiko Master Seiichi Tanaka of San Francisco Taiko Dojo, internationally acclaimed shakuhachi artist Marco Lienhard, electric violinist, Jason Yang, and musician/educator Eien Hunter-Ishikawa. Makoto Taiko has continually collaborated with high-caliber musicians and continues to search for opportunities to improve the quality of our concerts by fostering collaborations with artists who expand our artistry. Makoto Taiko’s annual tradition of gathering the entire ensemble on the same stage with guest performers continued this year with an in-person concert at 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center’s Aratani Theatre. This year’s concert theme, “Hajime!,” means new beginnings, which is fitting given that the pandemic required Makoto Taiko to pivot to virtual classes and performances. The Makoto Taiko ensemble took the stage with guest performers Sumie Kaneko, Isaku Kageyama, David Wells, Shoji Kameda, and Koji Nakamura, debuting several compositions, and underscoring new beginnings.
Classes
We offer affordable classes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, on a weekly basis to our members. Membership in Makoto Taiko is open to the public. People find these classes personally meaningful for a variety of reasons. A portion of our members are Japanese Americans seeking an opportunity to connect with their heritage. Others are interested in learning about Japanese culture through this engaging art form. Our weekly classes support an average of 120 members ranging in age from 6 to 80 years and draw from communities throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Our members experience great enjoyment and exposure to Japanese cultural art that is steadily gaining popularity throughout the world.
Community Performing Group
In 2017, Makoto Taiko formed a small group, called the Community Performing Group, to provide high quality performances at local community events. The fifteen members of this group also volunteer their time and talents to assist in teaching classes and lead member committees and other activities.
Workshops
Makoto Taiko began its outreach initiative in 2016 to partner with local educational institutions and community groups to host workshops, as a way to share taiko drumming with the broader community. The self-confidence that comes with striking a taiko drum, encouraging others on-stage through kiai (sending energy) and developing stage presence are elements that we want to instill in future generations. Past workshop participants have included local Girl Scout troops, Mirai Nihongo Gakuen at the Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute, and John Muir High School Drum Section.