enTaiko
Tradition. Community. Artistic Exploration.
Taiko rooted in tradition, creating new possibilities through performance, education, and collaboration
Founded in Portland in 2007, enTaiko carries Japanese taiko traditions forward through performance, education, and artistic collaboration. Our work brings together youth and adult taiko artists with musicians, dancers, Deaf and disabled artists, and artists from Japan and the United States.
Our Mission
To foster a community where participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds create music while learning each other’s traditions, enTaiko, builds an inclusive community through Japanese taiko drumming. We empower youth and adult artists of all abilities with high-quality, culturally specific arts education that balances tradition and innovation. Through performances, workshops, and collaborations, we promote leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and creative expression—ensuring access for underserved, disabled, Deaf, and neurodiverse communities since 2007.
About Taiko
Taiko means “drum” in Japanese and refers to both Japanese drums and the art of ensemble drumming. Rooted in Japanese culture, taiko brings together rhythm, movement, and community.
What We Do
enTaiko advances Japanese taiko through performance, education, community engagement, and cultural exchange.
Performance: Our ensembles perform throughout Oregon in theaters, schools, libraries, and community settings, presenting taiko alongside guest artists from diverse disciplines.
Education: We offer year-round youth and adult classes, school residencies and workshops, and an annual summer camp integrating taiko with Japanese language and culture.
Access & Collaboration: We collaborate with Deaf, disabled, and non-disabled artists and organizations to create inclusive learning and performance experiences.
Cultural Exchange: We connect artists and communities in Oregon, Japan, and beyond through performance, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
