Japanese Drumming Comes to New York

Impressing a packed auditorium of adults and children in New York City is no small feat. All eyes and ears were fixed on the performers of all backgrounds wearing white and blue happi, traditional Japanese coats, who joyfully pounded onto the many multi-sized drums while their graceful choreography created a visual display of physical strength and energy during a performance of taiko.

Traditionally, taiko (the Japanese word for drum) was used for ritual ceremonies and festivals. Within the past 50 years, taiko has become a contemporary performing art. Kumi-daiko, meaning a taiko ensemble, was brought to the United States by Japanese immigrants in the west coast in the early 20th century and soon spread to other cities. . . .

About the Author

Esperanza Urbaez resided in Toyooka City, Hyogo prefecture from 2009 to 2013 as an assistant language teacher on the JET program.

This article is part of a guest-contributor partnership between the East-West Center in Washington and USJETAA in which former JET participants contribute articles relating to their experiences in Japan.