Experience Deaf taiko artists from Japan with enTaiko and youth drummers in a powerful cross-cultural performance

ROU — enTaiko Concert 2026 -

Featuring Kobiki (Osaka) & Yumenko (Tokyo) Japan
Special Guests: Gathered–DanceAbility (Portland) & Matsuriza (Orlando, FL), Walle Brown Breaking (Seattle)

enTaiko presents ROU, a powerful performance celebrating Deaf artistry, cross-cultural collaboration, and the future of inclusive taiko.

This year features two renowned Deaf taiko artists making their first Portland appearance: Kobiki from Osaka and Yumenko from Tokyo, Jpaan. Their work reveals how Deaf drummers experience rhythm through vibration, movement, and visual musicality—offering audiences a rare chance to experience taiko beyond sound.

ROU—a Japanese word referring to Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities—brings Deaf and hearing performers together on one stage. The result is a vibrant, deeply expressive evening that expands how we understand rhythm, communication, and connection.

We also welcome Gathered–DanceAbility, an inclusive dance company whose collaboration with enTaiko blends movement.

Join us at the PCC Sylvania Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable evening that celebrates culture, accessibility, and the power of inclusive performance.

100% of proceeds support enTaiko, helping us sustain community partnerships, provide scholarships, and increase access to the arts.

YUMENKO is a Tokyo-based taiko performance ensemble founded by Deaf taiko artist TETSUYA, dedicated to exploring a distinctive, visually driven approach to taiko drumming. Centered on Deaf and hard of hearing performers, YUMENKO creates original works that emphasize physical sensation, rhythm, and movement, inviting audiences to experience taiko beyond sound alone. With member YUKI based in Germany, the ensemble performs both in Japan and internationally, expanding how rhythm and vibration are shared and understood.

KOBIKI is a Deaf and Hard of Hearing taiko ensemble based in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1992, the group grew out of a commemorative performance for the Toyonaka City Association for People with Physical Disabilities and adopted the name KOBIKI in 1995. Through intensive training and embodied rhythm, KOBIKI shares the power of traditional Japanese taiko, expressing resilience, dedication, and the joy of collective performance.

Family Arts Festival September 20

enTaiko shows 11:05 am & 1:05 pm

https://nwcts.org/spotlight/

Location: 4 Parpala Rd, Naselle, WA 98638

Location:28511 Vernon Ave, Ocean Park, WA 98640

Location:

Ilwaco Library -158 First Ave North Ilwaco, WA 98624

Timberland Library
Location: Chinook School 810 State Hwy 101, Chinook, WA 98614

Location :585 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97301

Location: 5525 B St, Bay City, OR 97107

Public Event

Location: 11200 SW Murray Scholls Place, Suite 102 Beaverton

McMinnville Library

Location: McMinnville Community Center, 600 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128

Location: Rossman Park. —> Please note: Due to the forecasted temperatures, the performance location may be moved inside the library building.

Public event

Free Event

Location: Cannery Square Park, 22622 SW Pine St, Sherwood, OR (Park on Columbia Street, near the park)

13793 SE Sieben Park Way, Happy Valley, OR

enTaiko Ensemble *Adult drummers

Denise Busch is a Master DanceAbility Instructor, one of the few in Portland, and the Director of DanceAbility GATHERED, an inclusive performance ensemble. She teaches at STEPS PDX and PHAME Academy, creating spaces where individuals of all abilities and backgrounds can engage in improvisational dance and creative expression.

Kazuyo Ito, enTaiko Arctic Director, Workshop Japan Tour

Location: https://www.studioaccel.com

Inclusive Dance Project Series

“Kinematic/Kinesthetic” will incorporate disability robotics to create a dance work that explores movement beyond the human body. 

Location: Stanford Live, Bing Concert Hall, Stanford University 327 Lasuen St, Stanford, California, United States

AXIS DANCE https://accessguide.axisdance.org

Monday, May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

Annual Children’s day Event at Japanese Garden

https://japanesegarden.org/events/childrens-day-2025/

10:45 -11:00

11:45- 12:00

1:15 -1:30

415 E Sheridan St, Newberg, OR 97132

"MeshMelange" Inclusive Dance Project Series
This title captures the spirit of the event—a tapestry of connection ("mesh") and the dynamic diversity ("melange") that celebrates individuality and unity alike.

Guest Artists

Denise Busch: DanceAbility Ensemble
Led by the inspiring Denise Busch, DanceAbility creates an inclusive space where individuals with and without disabilities—and with varying levels of dance experience—can explore the joy of movement. This process affirms that everyone can dance, redefining perceptions of ability and artistry.

Scott Selby: Deaf Tap Dancer Scott is a Deaf tap dancer who defies expectations with his passion and creativity He discovered tap dancing in college He performed at Garden Home Rec Center and Echo Theater Company. His determination inspires others, showcasing that everybody can dance.

Walle Brown: Walle is a world-class breaking artist known for his dynamic energy, precision, and innovative style. With numerous titles in regional and international breaking championships, he has captivated audiences on stages and battle floors around the globe. A passionate performer and educator, Walle collaborates with artists across disciplines, bringing breaking into new creative contexts.

Public event (Time to be announced)

2276 SE 41st Ave

Portland, OR 97214

Kissimmee Lakefront Park

201 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee FL 34741

1308 256th Ln, Ocean Park, WA 98640

Public event

Location: Woodland Community Center 782 Park St, Woodland, WA 98674

Public event

Location: Stevenson Elementary School, 100 School St,

Stevenson, WA 98648

600 NE 136th

Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684

Public event

Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street,

Vancouver, WA 98660

Public event

8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr, Ste 285, Vancouver, WA 98662 (inside at a Mall Court)

Public event