Some of the top taiko instructors will be teaching daily workshops during the Taiko CrossRoads intensive week in Iida City, Japan.
*Listed alphabetically by first name.
Akemi Jige
Akemi Jige is the founding member and principal performer of Honoo Daiko (Produced by Asano Taiko Ltd). Honoo Daiko was created in 1986 and is renowned as the worlds leading all-women’s taiko drumming group. Akemi Jige has toured extensively in Japan, France, Holland and many other countries throughout Europe and North America.
Awa
Awa (formerly Chabo) is well-known as the energetic former principal performer, composer and leader of Shidara. Her enthralling compositions, including the legendary piece “Niebuchi” secured the groups First Place win at the 1st Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest. She subsequently led the group to tour throughout the world and become of the most visually enthralling performance ensembles in Japan. In 2015, Awa retired from Shidara and moved to Urugi, where she has released two solo albums. She is active in teaching taiko to children in Urugi.
Yukari Ichise
In 2004, Yukari began practicing taiko as a member of Tento, based in Achi Village, Japan and taught by Art Lee. She also began intensive rehearsals with Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi and Osuwa Daiko. Highlights include her composition “Chiyo Honen Bayashi” which has now been adopted as the main performance piece for the town of Chiyo in Nagano Prefecture. She is particularily renowned for her powerful and enthusiastic performance style. She is a founding member and performer of Wadaiko Tokara.
Kuniharu Hara
Kuniharu Hara is the former principal performer and drum builder in Osuwa Daiko. As a member of Osuwa Daiko and as a member of Daihachi Oguchi’s elite group, Ashura Gumi, Kunihara performed throughout Japan and abroad, including the Rhythmsticks Festival in London. In 2005, Kuniharu formed his own taiko shop, as well as becoming a solo performer. Together with former members of Osuwa Daiko, Kuniharu formed his own taiko unit, Tenku.
Tsubo
Tsubo is one of the new generation of taiko performers of the modern era who mix taiko performance with dance, techno and rhythm machine for a high energy performance. Known for including the audience, his performances are legendary among music and percussion enthusiasts in Japan.
**Workshop instructors and/or other program information for this workshop is subject to change. Any such changes will be sent to registered participants