KAZUYO ITO

Taiko Artist, Composer, Choreographer, and Educator

Kazuyo Ito is a taiko artist, composer, choreographer, and educator based in Portland, Oregon. She has taught taiko in schools, universities, and arts-learning programs throughout the Portland area, including Portland State University. She studied under taiko masters Takemasa Ishikura and Jyotaro Yoshimura and brings decades of performance experience, including performing with Matsuriza at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.

As Artistic Director of enTaiko, Kazuyo works to build an inclusive taiko community that removes barriers related to disability, language, and background. She approaches taiko as both a Japanese cultural art form and a space for connection, equity, and creative expression. Her work includes original composition, choreography, teaching, and collaboration with Deaf and disabled artists, dancers, musicians, and young people from historically underserved communities.

Kazuyo creates performances that center accessibility, cultural integrity, and artistic collaboration. Her work expands the possibilities of taiko by inviting people with and without disabilities to experience rhythm through sound, vibration, movement, and shared performance.

Selected Work