| About Us Based in Los Angeles, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Dojo offers traditional Japanese taiko drumming classes to the public and private one-on-one sessions. Classes are affordable and offer tremendous value for those hungry for authentic taiko training. Students develop mental discipline and physical strength as well as a thorough understanding of the history and culture of Japanese taiko. Learn more about "Kiriko Taiko" Our Sensei A lifetime student of the Japanese cultural arts, Sensei Walter Tsushima continues to study and train in the way of taiko and as a member of the Wajima Kiriko Daiko Hozonkai in Japan, he is the only person outside of Japan who has been granted permission to teach the "Kiriko Taiko" style. Sensei Tsushima has competed, toured and performed internationally. Full biography here |
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太
鼓
道
鼓
道
| "The Way of Taiko" |
WHAT IS "TAIKO?"
"Taiko," means “big drum” in Japanese and has a rich history in both Japan and
North America. In ancient times in Japan, taiko drums were utilized for many
things. As an island of agriculture, Japanese farmers utilized taiko as an
accompaniment to local rituals in order to bless and protect their crops from evils
spirits and to ensure a bountiful harvest by summoning much rain. Taiko was also
used for military purposes to instill courage and strength in soldiers and to also
instigate fear in the opposition. Today, taiko has evolved into a booming
performance art like no other.
"Taiko," means “big drum” in Japanese and has a rich history in both Japan and
North America. In ancient times in Japan, taiko drums were utilized for many
things. As an island of agriculture, Japanese farmers utilized taiko as an
accompaniment to local rituals in order to bless and protect their crops from evils
spirits and to ensure a bountiful harvest by summoning much rain. Taiko was also
used for military purposes to instill courage and strength in soldiers and to also
instigate fear in the opposition. Today, taiko has evolved into a booming
performance art like no other.
WAJIMA KIRIKO TAIKO HOZONKAI
Established in 1976, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Hozonkai is an official taiko
preservation association headquarted in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
The Hozonkai Chairman is Mr. Mitsuru Kurata.
As a student of and as and member of the Hozonkai, one will not only aim to
improve their taiko skill and technique, but will learn to become a better person as
well by studying "way of taiko." The Hozonkai's mission is to further educate the
public about the unique taiko culture of the Noto Peninsula, the kiriko festivals and
the kiriko taiko playing style. Throughout the year, various workshops and
performances are held.
You are welcome to visit us anytime, but please contact us in advance.
info@wkdhozonkai.com
Established in 1976, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Hozonkai is an official taiko
preservation association headquarted in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
The Hozonkai Chairman is Mr. Mitsuru Kurata.
As a student of and as and member of the Hozonkai, one will not only aim to
improve their taiko skill and technique, but will learn to become a better person as
well by studying "way of taiko." The Hozonkai's mission is to further educate the
public about the unique taiko culture of the Noto Peninsula, the kiriko festivals and
the kiriko taiko playing style. Throughout the year, various workshops and
performances are held.
You are welcome to visit us anytime, but please contact us in advance.
info@wkdhozonkai.com
WELCOME!
Since 2008, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Hozonkai has been providing instruction in taiko
drumming in the Los Angeles area.
Please enjoy our website and we hope you will stop by and visit when you are in the
area. This website is designed to give you information about our programs, our style
of taiko, and provide you with information on how to contact us.
Since 2008, the Wajima Kiriko Taiko Hozonkai has been providing instruction in taiko
drumming in the Los Angeles area.
Please enjoy our website and we hope you will stop by and visit when you are in the
area. This website is designed to give you information about our programs, our style
of taiko, and provide you with information on how to contact us.
WHAT IS "TAIKO?"
"Taiko," means “big drum” in Japanese and has a rich history in both Japan and
North America. In ancient times in Japan, taiko drums were utilized for many
things. As an island of agriculture, Japanese farmers utilized taiko as an
accompaniment to local rituals in order to bless and protect their crops from evils
spirits and to ensure a bountiful harvest by summoning much rain. Taiko was also
used for military purposes to instill courage and strength in soldiers and to also
instigate fear in the opposition. Today, taiko has evolved into a booming
performance art like no other.
"Taiko," means “big drum” in Japanese and has a rich history in both Japan and
North America. In ancient times in Japan, taiko drums were utilized for many
things. As an island of agriculture, Japanese farmers utilized taiko as an
accompaniment to local rituals in order to bless and protect their crops from evils
spirits and to ensure a bountiful harvest by summoning much rain. Taiko was also
used for military purposes to instill courage and strength in soldiers and to also
instigate fear in the opposition. Today, taiko has evolved into a booming
performance art like no other.