The Story of Our Taiko Experience (from KYOTO)— So Far

No matter whether guests have musical experience or not, almost everyone says the same thing at the end: “That was so much fun!” Our instructors are professionals who teach everyone from complete beginners to advanced players. Even people who say, “I’ve never played an instrument in my life,” do absolutely fine.

At the beginning, it’s usually more like:

 “Am I on the right timing…?”

 “Wait, which hand do I use now?”

But don’t worry.

By the end of the session, everyone can perform a full piece together. And yes — you can record the final group performance as a memory of the experience.

One of my favorite moments is watching guests replay their video in the car on the way back to JR Takatsuki Station:

“Whoa!!”

 “Not bad — that sounded awesome!”

 “Ah, I slipped up there. I wanna try that again!”

Seeing that excitement never gets old.

We also get quite a few guests with experience playing Western drums. When that happens, the instructor subtly adjusts the arrangement to match their level.

The result?

 The sound suddenly becomes deeper, richer, and more powerful.

One family had three teenage drummers — their performance was sharp and confident, and their final pose had pure rock-star energy. I still remember it. It felt like a real stage show.

We’ve even welcomed professionals from the drum world.

January 28, 2025

 Amanda Dal (Swedish session musician)

April 7, 2025

 Brad Boynton (Owner of Rhythm Traders)

 → A true professional, even on taiko. I still treasure the business card he gave me.

June 24, 2025

 Mike Nieland (works with Ludwig Drums / active on YouTube)

We’ve witnessed so many moments where taiko effortlessly crosses borders and musical genres.

Every now and then, we quietly welcome some pretty amazing people.

・The family of a world-famous film director

・Former U.S. Olympic gymnast Akash Modi

・A singer and dancer from a globally known hip-hop group

And there I am — your very average person — standing next to them thinking,

 “Wait… are we really allowed to hit the same drum??”

Taiko has this incredible power. It draws everyone in, no matter who they are.

I asked my senior guide Michiko (a former ballerina and karaoke queen — yes, she’s exactly as fun as she sounds) about her most memorable guests.

Her answer?

“Honestly, it’s harder to think of guests I don’t remember!” (laughs)

There were families with incredibly well-mannered kids, moms bonding over parenting stories, and even a long-married couple who were very clearly in the middle of an argument when they arrived. I secretly hope the drumming helped soften the mood, even just a little.

There was an unforgettable final performance by two American sisters who quickly got the hang of it thanks to their incredible sense of rhythm. Another guest loved the experience so much that he later came back for a private lesson. We’ve also seen groups of total strangers who, by the end, felt like one big family.

And once, a guest randomly patted me on the head on the way out. (Laughs)

One guest even told me, “I’ve trained on the taiko rhythm game Taiko no Tatsujin — but the real thing is on a completely different level. It’s incredible!”

One American sports broadcaster who joined the tour — he once interviewed Shohei Ohtani when he joined the Angels — still keeps in touch with me on WhatsApp. Encounters like that are gifts I never expected from this job.

Seeing guides like Michiko create such lasting impressions inspires me. I hope I can become that kind of guide too.

The taiko experience takes place at Wadaiko Masaya Studio in Takatsuki, Osaka.

The studio is run by a professional taiko performer who also leads a performance group of the same name, touring across Japan. He and his team teach more than 100 students at the studio’s taiko school and coach taiko clubs at several high schools. 

That means the instructors for this experience aren’t just great performers — they’re also experienced teachers. Guests even get to watch a live performance up close, which is always a real treat for me as well.

In the summer of 2025, Wadaiko Masaya performed at the Osaka–Kansai Expo.

 In May, there was a special stage featuring high school students passionate about traditional Japanese performing arts. The studio owner produced the event, and some of the taiko clubs he teaches performed as well. Watching young people seriously dedicate themselves to traditional culture was unexpectedly moving.

That same morning, there was a workshop, and I got to try playing one of the big drums myself.

Conclusion:

 Taiko = full-body workout.

I realized very quickly that I need to work on my strength.

The studio also has a giant drum called Fudō, one of the largest in Osaka. It sometimes travels for performances, but if you get to see it, you’re lucky — it’s unforgettable.

On July 4, EE Tour helped with interpretation and support at Wadaiko Masaya’s taiko workshop and professional performance on the Pop-up Stage at the Expo.

Not only Japanese visitors but many international guests joined. Even in a short session, you could see smiles and connections forming through rhythm alone.

And hearing taiko up close?

 It’s less “sound” and more like a physical impact. You feel it in your chest.

The huge applause from the audience, gathered in the intense summer heat, is something I’ll never forget.

At the Expo, I also watched performances from around the world — beautiful Indian dance, dynamic Korean drumming — all amazing.

But the one that truly stayed with me was DRUM TAO.

Traditional taiko fused with modern staging, stunning costumes, and powerful visual effects. I remember thinking,

 “Taiko has evolved this much?!”

By coincidence, I was sitting next to the parents of one of their new members. Hearing about the years of intense training she went through to achieve her dream made the performance feel even more meaningful.

They’re planning to open a dedicated theater near Kyoto Station this spring. I can’t help hoping more and more people fall in love with taiko.

Since last May, I’ve been taking taiko lessons at Masaya myself — beginner course, twice a month.

My teacher is Aoi, who is also one of our tour instructors. Her Taiko performance and her spirited shouts of 'HA,' 'YA,' and 'SO-RE' are so powerful and cool. I really look up to her as a taiko player.

Honestly, I wish I could go more often.

It’s about a 45-minute drive from my home to Takatsuki. On nice days, I ride my 125cc motorbike. I love the night view near Expo ’70 Park — the monorail overhead and the illuminated ferris wheel, OSAKA WHEEL (123 meters tall!), glowing in the sky.

It’s my little moment of peace.

 And yes, one of these days, I’m actually going to ride it.

This April, I’ll be performing in a recital.

 My very first time performing on stage. Actually, my first time being on a stage at all.

I’m honestly a bit nervous. I’m not the bravest person.

But the joy of hitting the drum — the vibration traveling through my body — easily outweighs the fear.

After the recital, I’ll move up to the next-level class. My next teacher will be Yusuke, another tour instructor whose playing is amazing I can’t help just staring when he performs.

Anyway… I’d better get back to practicing.

I’m still a beginner, but I’m fully enjoying life in the world of taiko.

Why not come experience my beloved taiko drums for yourself? 🥁✨