Taiko is about community.
Taiko, Japanese drumming transcends all cultures and it is universal and anyone can do it. Participants from different ethnic backgrounds will work with each other to create music and learn to be open to the cultural traditions of others. Taiko education provides a path for individuals to discover, develop, and pursue their life skills and interests.
enTaiko was established in 2007. en Taiko played and practiced on old garbage bins. At first, en Taiko began as a means of teaching kids at schools, where music class was no longer offered. Drastic public school budget cuts continue to deprive students of the demonstrated benefits of formal music education. The practice and performances by en Taiko help fill this gap, by providing students with discipline, camaraderie, listening skills, and structure–all essential components of Japanese taiko.
Taiko played a vital role in strengthening community, whether in the schools, temples, or throughout the townships. Similarly, en Taiko aspires to create opportunity for strengthening and expanding community.
In April 2012, en Taiko became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Status number: 27- 2180026
enTaiko performance group is a youthful, high-energy experience that fosters community. Taiko drumming strengthens individuality and creativity within the interplay of a group dynamic. The group performs at cultural events and music festivals throughout the city of Portland, carrying on a centuries' old musical tradition from feudal Japan.
What is the mission?
To foster a community where participants from various ethnic backgrounds work together to create music while learning the cultural traditions of others.
About Taiko
The word, “Taiko” in Japanese literally means great or wide drum. It refers most commonly to a distinctive form of drumming that has its roots in ancient Japanese culture. But Taiko also describes the art form of modern Japanese drum ensembles, as well as the physical drums used by these groups.
enTaiko offers taiko instruction, performance, and international exchange.
Our youth taiko classes meet in afterschool sessions throughout the school year. Some of these students audition to become “Senior” students and join our traveling performing ensemble.
The enTaiko performing ensemble visits schools, libraries, and community centers throughout Oregon performing new taiko works for diverse audiences with guest artists from taiko and other disciplines.
We partner with PHAME and GATHERED Danceability group to teach and perform with adults with disabilities.
We also teach youth during the school day through artist in residence programs like Arts for Learning Northwest.
We offer an annual summer camp that combines taiko instruction with Japanese language and culture immersion.
Kazuyo Ito, Artistic Director
Kazuyo is a passionate educator and accomplished artist, teaching Taiko at Richmond Elementary, Portland State University, and various arts learning facilities in Portland. Trained by Taiko masters Takemasa Ishikura and Jyotaro Yoshimura, she brings a wealth of performance experience and touring member with Matsuriza in Florida. As the founder and Artistic Director of enTaiko, Kazuyo is a visionary leader, composing new musical pieces, developing choreography, and collaborating with artists across genres. With over 15 years of experience as a Taiko educator, she has successfully produced numerous concerts, continually pushing the boundaries of Taiko performance and education.
Makoto Barmon, Assistant Artistic Director
With over a decade of dedicated experience in performing and teaching, Makoto Barmon plays a pivotal role in shaping enTaiko's creative vision as the Assistant Artistic Director. His passion for Taiko drumming and commitment to artistic excellence have significantly influenced the organization's innovative performances. In addition to his work with enTaiko, Makoto has worked with BodyVox in Portland, Oregon, serving as a lighting designer and technician. His unique blend of technical expertise and artistic insight continues to inspire and elevate enTaiko's creative achievements, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
“TOKYO BORDERLESS” Concert 2024
Guest artists- Inés Voglar Belgique with Portland Philharmonic String Ensemble
Breakdance Walle Brown and Daniel Shinseki
enTaiko presents a concert that transcends traditional Japanese music, embracing diversity while honoring Taiko's cultural roots. Departing from conventional expectations, we'll integrate a classical music ensemble led by conductor Ines Voglar Belgique. Collaborating with the Portland Youth Philharmonic String Ensemble, we'll reimagine enTaiko's signature piece "Celebration." Breakdancing champion Walle Brown join us, imbuing street-style dance into the performance. This cross-pollination project merges traditional and classical instruments, accompanied by modern compositions and breakdancing, set within a vibrant street culture atmosphere.
“TAIKO & LIGHT” Concert 2023
Guest artists- CymaSpace, Saxophone artist, Patrick MuCulley
Taiko and light is an inclusive multisensory concert experience where Japanese Taiko drumming is translated into light as patterns and rhythms of color, intensity, and motion to be enjoyed by both deaf and hearing audiences.
“SEVEN KNOTS” Concert 2019
Guest Artist - Gloria Bendi Flamenco
“SAMURAI ROCK” Concert 2018
Guest artists- Jotaro Yoshimura, Koseisen, Osaka, Japan
“SYNCHRONIZE” Concert 2017
Guest artist - Marimba composer, Eric Schopmeyer
Eric Schopmeyer
Eric Schopmeyer has been teaching music in Portland Public Schools for 16 years. He currently teaches at Buckman Elementary. From 2000-2011 he headed the Marysville Marimba band. He has published two volumes of original works for student marimba ensemble. He composed over 5 pieces with en Taiko with the composition which is Japanese Taiko with Zimbabwean-style marimba.
enTaiko Concert 2016
Guest artist- Koto artist, Mitsuki Dazai
Mitsuki Dazai
A graduate of Japan’s renowned Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, Mitsuki is studied in contemporary koto and has performed professionally throughout the world. In 2015, she released her 1st CD “Shanti Samsara”. Mitsuki also leads and instructs a koto ensemble group, Oregon Koto-Kai. She enjoys introducing her beautiful koto music to the diverse cultures of the world.
