San Jose Taiko Brings Innovative Drumming to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania

The pioneering taiko ensemble will perform in Appleton and State College, showcasing the beauty and power of traditional Japanese drumming.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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San Jose Taiko, a renowned taiko drumming ensemble, is scheduled to perform in Appleton, Wisconsin and State College, Pennsylvania later this month. The group, founded in 1973, is known for blending traditional Japanese drumming with contemporary artistry, offering audiences a unique cultural experience. The performances aim to showcase the beauty and power of taiko drumming, emphasizing the synergy between the drummers and their instruments.

Why it matters

San Jose Taiko is a pioneering ensemble in the North American kumidaiko tradition, helping to popularize and elevate the art form in the United States. Their performances provide audiences with an immersive cultural experience, fostering cross-cultural connections and appreciation for traditional Japanese music and dance.

The details

San Jose Taiko, founded in 1973, emerged as only the third kumi-daiko ensemble in North America, following San Francisco Taiko Dojo and Kinnara Taiko. The group started as a youth program at the San Jose Betsuin, a Buddhist church, and has since grown into a prominent arts organization within the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. The group's origins trace back to Roy Hirabayashi, Dean Miyakusu, and Rev. Hiroshi Abiko, who, after attending a Kinnara retreat, began fundraising through the local Japanese American band scene and dances to establish the ensemble.

  • San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973.
  • The group's first performance took place in October 1973.
  • In the summer of 1974, San Jose Taiko became a regular fixture at the annual Obon festival at San Jose Betsuin, a tradition they continue to uphold.
  • In 1985, Roy Hirabayashi and Irene Matsumoto established San Jose Taiko Junior Taiko, a program dedicated to teaching taiko to young people.
  • San Jose Taiko is scheduled to perform in Appleton, Wisconsin on February 27, 2026 and at Penn State University from February 27 to 29, 2026.

The players

San Jose Taiko

A pioneering ensemble in the North American kumidaiko tradition, known for blending traditional Japanese drumming with contemporary artistry.

Roy Hirabayashi

One of the founders of San Jose Taiko, who, along with Dean Miyakusu and Rev. Hiroshi Abiko, established the ensemble after attending a Kinnara retreat in Santa Barbara.

Dean Miyakusu

One of the founders of San Jose Taiko, who, along with Roy Hirabayashi and Rev. Hiroshi Abiko, established the ensemble after attending a Kinnara retreat in Santa Barbara.

Rev. Hiroshi Abiko

One of the founders of San Jose Taiko, who, along with Roy Hirabayashi and Dean Miyakusu, established the ensemble after attending a Kinnara retreat in Santa Barbara.

Irene Matsumoto

Established San Jose Taiko Junior Taiko, a program dedicated to teaching taiko to young people, in 1985 with Roy Hirabayashi.

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What’s next

San Jose Taiko's performances in Appleton, Wisconsin and State College, Pennsylvania are part of the group's ongoing efforts to bring the art of taiko drumming to diverse audiences and foster cross-cultural connections.

The takeaway

San Jose Taiko's performances showcase the beauty and power of traditional Japanese drumming, while also highlighting the group's innovative approach to the art form. Their work has been influential in the growth and popularization of taiko drumming in North America, inspiring the creation of collegiate taiko ensembles and empowering diverse voices within the art form.