"TAIKOPROJECT--this ain't your mama's taiko, but it may be your hip, younger cousin's."
-L.A. Weekly, Los Angeles, California

"TAIKOPROJECT is a terrific, youthful blend of tradition and emerging artistry. It is a hilarious and touching treatment of the artform of taiko and its deep importance to a distinctively American community...TAIKOPROJECT rings true."
-Michael Reed, ASU Public Events, Phoenix, Arizona

"TAIKOPROJECT's performances were a great success, leaving our audiences exuberant and ready for more. Our two packed houses were thrilled with TP's multi-genre approach and their unique American take on the Japanese art of taiko."
-Matt Krashan, Director, UW World Series, Seattle, Washington

"TAIKOPROJECT is one of the most exciting next generation ensembles playing today. They play with sheer pleasure and consummate skill, telling a story of taiko that is deeply personal and recognizably universal."
-Marty Wollesen, UCSD ArtPower!, La Jolla, California

"They perform with ample grace, strength, and precision. Their choreography is indeed spirited and tinged with enthusiasm, but Artistic Director Bryan Yamami has not neglected the intense focus and carefully-plotted symmetry that are hallmarks of taiko."
-San Diego Arts, San Diego, California

"...they blew the roof off with their energy and willingness to take taiko into the 21st century by experimenting with various media and settings. They take American taiko outside the box."
-International Examiner, Seattle, Washington

"Although the group has a certain youthful swagger, the players are respectful of the tradition without being obsequious. They back up their youthful bravado with a high level of technical ability, not relying on flash and effects to carry the day. Their brand of taiko is loud, fast and clean--the energy level set at maximum."
-The Bulletin, Vancouver, Canada

The TAIKOPROJECT was founded in 2000 in Los Angeles, California. The group was conceived by Bryan Yamami with the idea of bringing together the best young taiko players in North America to create an innovative theatrical production celebrating American taiko. That show, TAIKOPROJECT: (re)generation, seamlessly blends taiko with storytelling, music, hip hop choreography, multi-media, and dance.

TAIKOPROJECT: (re)generation made its world premiere tour Fall, 2003 - Spring, 2004 to Gammage Auditorium at Arizona State University Public Events, Meany Hall at the University of Washington World Series, the Japan America Theatre at the JACCC, the Mondavi Center at UC Davis, and the Kenneth Ford Theater at the College of the Siskiyous.

Following its first tour, the TAIKOPROJECT developed collaborations with a diverse group of artists, including klezmer clarinetist Leo Chelyapov, Vietnamese pop singer Bao Han, Chicano rock band Quetzal, internationally-acclaimed European DJ Tiesto, and Vancouver's Chibi Taiko.

In Spring, 2005, the TAIKOPROJECT performed in Mitsubishi Motors of North America's innovative National Commercial for the Eclipse sportscar, featuring women from the group in a breathtaking 60-second commercial spot that was one of the highest-rated commercials of 2005 when it aired.

The TAIKOPROJECT then performed for the most prestigious taiko concert in North America-- "Taiko Jam '05," as part of the 2005 North America Taiko Conference. The group was also invited to perform for the Hollywood Bowl's prestigious "Summer Sounds" program, working with the L.A. Philharmonic Education Division.

In Fall, 2005, the TAIKOPROJECT traveled to Japan for the first time to represent American taiko at the 4th Annual Tokyo International Taiko Contest. As one of 12 finalists out of over 60 groups, the TAIKOPROJECT was the first American taiko group to participate in the internationally-recognized event. The TAIKOPROJECT made history and took home the top prize, First Place, in the Adult Group category, becoming then, the first American taiko group to win the entire contest as well.

In Summer, 2006, the TAIKOPROJECT presented Rhythmic Relations 2006, a joint performance with Bombu Taiko, Kitsune Taiko, and UCLA Yukai Daiko to a sold-out house at the prestigious John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. They also traveled to Japan to perform at the acclaimed EXTASIA Festival in Ishikawa-ken, and performed at the Hollywood nightclub Bar Sinister.

In Fall, 2006, the TAIKOPROJECT was selected to be a part of two prestigious juried industry showcases at the Western Arts Alliance (WAA) and International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) Conferences. TAIKOPROJECT also performed for Opening Night of the Los Angeles Kings' 2006 hockey season at the Staples Center and for the half-time show for the Los Angeles Clippers. In October, 2006, Bryan and Maz performed as guest taiko artists with rapper Xzibit for a music concert special on the DirecTV program CD USA.

In Spring, 2007, the TAIKOPROJECT toured "(re)generation" along the West Coast to sold-out houses and exuberant audiences along the West Coast at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, UC San Diego's Mandeville Auditorium, the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga, the Washington Center for the Arts, the Edmonds Center for the Arts, and the Centennial Theatre in Vancouver, Canada.

In Summer, 2007, TP played at the L.A. Coliseum for DYNAMITE 2007, one of the largest mixed-martial arts events in the U.S., broadcast on the Showtime cable network. TP was also cast in David Mamet's 2007 independent film entitled "RedBelt." TP also released new signature bachi drumsticks.

In Fall, 2007, TP performed as a guest artist with Mu Daiko in Minneapolis, Minnesota and performed in Dallas, Texas. TP also performed for the first time in China, performing at the Wynn Macau Hotel & Casino. TP was also signed to the Artist Roster for Gary Lindsey Artist Services for a two-year North American touring contract.

In Spring, 2008, TAIKOPROJECT traveled to Louisiana to shoot a scene for the feature film "Tekken," to be released in 2009, directed by Dwight Little. Upon returning, they recorded taiko bass tracks with acclaimed music producer Sam Spiegel for hip hop star Kanye West's North American tour. TAIKOPROJECT also toured to Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, and Illinois for various special events and performances.

In Summer, 2008, TP performed at the prestigious Los Angeles County Museum of Art and completed their first Hawaiian tour with sold-out performances in Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. TP returns to the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre for "Rhythmic Relations 2008" on July 12 & 13. TP was also the first taiko group in residence at the Orange County Fair in July, 2008.

In August, 2008, TP collaborates with the Masanga Marimba Ensemble for an exciting, free concert of taiko and marimba at the Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park. This Fall, TP tours to Lake Tahoe, California, Moab & Logan, Utah, and makes their Mexican debut at the Festival Internacional de Chihuahua in Juarez City, Mexico!

Next Spring, 2009, TP embarks on their biggest tour ever, taking the group through the Midwest and East Coast for the first time! Check out our timeline page for more info to see if we're coming to a city near you!

TAIKOPROJECT has been recognized with grant awards from the Durfee Foundation, the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department, and has been involved in projects funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the Western States Arts Foundation.

The TAIKOPROJECT is endorsed by the Asano Taiko Company, Ltd., one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious taiko drum-makers. Formed in 1609, only the world's top taiko groups play on Asano drums, such as Kodo and Ondeko-za.

The extended family of the TAIKOPROJECT includes...

Bombu Taiko
Bombu Taiko is a community-based taiko group founded in 2002 at the Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. Bombu Taiko is instructed by members of the TAIKOPROJECT. Named by Rinban Noriaki Ito after the "Bombu" of Buddhist philosophy, Bombu Taiko in its short lifespan has performed throughout Los Angeles at numerous events and gatherings, including the Nisei Week Festival, the L.A. Marathon, and gala events and dinners. "Bombu" loosely translates as "ordinary people" or the "unenlightened masses," and the joy of playing together is stressed in the group, as well as the Buddhist taiko philosophy developed by Rev. Masao Kodani and Kinnara Taiko, which emphasizes letting go of one's ego and just having fun.

For more information on Bombu Taiko, contact Lisa Shimamoto.

Kitsune Taiko
Kitsune Taiko was founded in 2002 at the Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple along with Bombu Taiko and is named after the mysterious and mischievous fox (kitsune) of Japanese folklore. The seventeen-member ensemble consists of nine girls, who have claimed the "Shakko," or red fox, and eight boys who have claimed "Genko," the black fox as their mascot. Together, they create Kitsune Taiko, the baddest youth taiko group to hit Little Tokyo. Kitsune Taiko members are: Andrew Breitborde, Terrell Ewen, Laurel Kitada, James Kuwata, Claire Lee, Ashley Mark, Teia & Emma Meigneux, Davis Momii, Kyle Robinson, Christopher Tokita, Noelle Wada, and Ryan Yamauchi. Junior members of Kitsune Taiko include Ashley Ima, Wylie Kasai, Connor and Rory McClellan, and Sean Okada.

For more information on Kitsune Taiko, contact Coach Bruno Yamada.

Yukai Daiko
In 2004, Yukai Daiko became the second official taiko group to form at UCLA. Their roots were formed in 2002, when Isshin Daiko was formed as a practice group. Kinyou Yuuhan no Kai was created in 2003 to continue the idea of an informal group complete with the traditions of playing for the simple love of taiko. Yukai, which means "cheerful" or "happy," was chosen to describe the attitudes of its members towards playing and practicing the art of taiko, not simply as individuals but more importantly, as a group.

For more information on Yukai Daiko, visit Yukai Daiko's website


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