Taiko Podcasts

In this episode we explore Taiko, which is the ancient Japanese form of percussion music using large drums that are played in an intense, rhythmic format. In Japanese, taiko literally means ‘drum’ though the term is also used to refer to the art of Japanese drumming, known as kumi-daiko. Taiko has been a part of the Japanese culture for centuries. In fact, Taiko has an almost mythological origin in Japanese folklore.

Welcome to Member Voices, an NJEA Podcast.  In this episode, we welcome Bergenfield High School English and ESL teacher Joan Froehlich. 

Kodo is arguably the most well-known and respected taiko group worldwide and has been considered an ambassador group for taiko performance outside Japan.  Kodo’s mission is to explore the limitless rhythmic possibilities of the Japanese Taiko drum, and in the process forge new directions for a vibrant living art-form.   Kodo’s desire is to transcend language and cultural boundaries, all while reminding their audiences of the common bonds we all share as human beings.  In this episode, young composer and Kodo performer Ryotaro Leo Ikenaga shares inspiring insights of his drumming life and the legendary Japanese taiko group.

In this episode, Raymond and Carolyn explore the fascinating history of Japanese taiko drumming, from its ancient roots in folk culture to the emergence of taiko ensembles in both Japan and North America after the Second World War. Taiko ensembles first began in North America in the 1970s, and were closely tied to Asian American and Asian Canadian political activism.