“Taiko is the heartbeat
of the Japanese people.” 
Kodo

Taiko is a 12,000-year-old form of Japanese music which highlights the art of drumming. This energetic style of music, which has been used in religious ceremonies and festivals throughout Japanese history, often incorporates dance and athletic movements. Taiko serves as a powerful symbol of community, tradition, and spiritual connection for the Japanese people. Author Gil Asakawa, in his book Being Japanese American, boldly states that “Taiko is beginning to catch on as Japan’s most influential and lasting gift to the world of music.”  

Last night, Kathy and I had an opportunity to experience taiko music on the grounds of Hakone Gardens and Estate in Saratoga. The venue is a 110-year-old Japanese garden owned by the City of Saratoga and operated by the Hakone Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The performance was the inaugural event of the new benefit series Garden of Culture at Hakone, which will feature Asian performing arts in the historic garden setting. Funds raised at these events are used to promote cultural exchange and support maintaining the Hakone grounds.

The performance featured renowned taiko artist Kenny Endo, along with a variety of guest musicians. Endo, a pioneer of contemporary taiko, is recognized internationally for his innovative fusion of traditional Japanese drumming with global music influences. 

The Hakone venue was ideal for Endo’s performance. The outdoor garden space provided the perfect setting for the concert on a comfortable spring evening. Endo and his colleagues didn’t disappoint, playing a number of original compositions to the delight of concert goers at the sold-out event. If you are interested in getting a taste of Endo’s taiko style, watch this YouTube video. I am confident that you will enjoy it.

In a brief conversation with Hiroshi Tanaka, one of the drummers at last night’s performance, he agreed with a quote I had come across about taiko drumming. Mutsuru Ishizuka, a gifted taiko drummer, had said, “The taiko is not an instrument just to hear but to feel with one’s whole body.” This was precisely the experience of those in attendance last night at Hakone Gardens. The inaugural concert of the Garden of Culture at Hakone series was a tremendous success.