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.

enTaiko’s mission is to foster a diverse, inclusive community through the art of Japanese taiko drumming. We empower youth and adult artists of all abilities by providing high- quality, culturally specific arts education that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Through performances, workshops, and collaborations, enTaiko promotes leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and creative expression—ensuring access to the arts for underserved, disabled, Deaf, and neurodiverse communities.

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 Ito is a dedicated educator and visionary taiko artist based in Portland, Oregon. She teaches taiko drumming at schools, universities, and arts learning programs across the Portland area, including Portland State University. Trained by taiko masters Takemasa Ishikura and Jyotaro Yoshimura, Kazuyo brings deep cultural knowledge and decades of performance experience, including touring with Matsuriza in Florida.

As the founder and Artistic Director of enTaiko, Kazuyo is committed to building an inclusive taiko community that removes barriers of ability, language, and background. Her work reimagines taiko not just as a traditional art form, but as a space for connection, equity, and creative expression for all. She composes original music, develops choreography, and collaborates with artists across genres—engaging with Deaf and disabled performers, breakdancers, classical musicians, and youth from underrepresented communities.

With over 15 years of experience as a taiko educator and community leader, Kazuyo has produced groundbreaking concerts that center access, cultural integrity, and joyful participation. Her work continues to expand the possibilities of taiko, inviting people of all abilities and identities to share in the rhythm, power, and spirit of collective performance.

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