Welcome to Kaminari Taiko's Online Press Kit
Kaminari Taiko is a Japanese drumming ensemble based in Houston, Texas. You may have seen us at our annual feature performance, the Grand Taiko Concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre, or at one of the many festivals and cultural events we participate in across the country.
Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996, when Jay Mochizuki brought together a diverse group of artists to create a group dedicated to celebrating Japanese culture through musical performance. In the fourteen years since its founding, Kaminari Taiko has grown into the premier taiko ensemble in the Gulf South, performing at concerts and festivals from Texas to Tennessee.
Each fall Kaminari Taiko delights Houstonians with its Grand Taiko Concert at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. This two and a half hours of high-energy taiko drumming, Japanese classical dancing, and guest performances brings in some of the largest and most enthusiastic audiences in town; last year's Grand Taiko Concert was attended by 19,000 fans over two evenings.
Kaminari Taiko is a cornerstone of Japanese cultural organizations in Houston, headlining the always-popular Houston Japan Fest each April. In 2009 the Consul-General of Japan in Houston presented the Consul-General's Special Award to Kaminari Taiko in recognition of the group's contributions to promoting deeper connection and understanding between Japan and the United States.
In addition to sharing Japanese culture through its performances, Kaminari Taiko also gives back to the community by putting on educational taiko workshops. Kaminari works with local schools, hospitals, and organizations for children with disabilities to bring the joy of music to children around Houston.
Kaminari Taiko travels extensively around the Houston area and across several states to perform at festivals, concerts, schools, private parties, and corporate events. In just the last two years, Kaminari has performed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and across the Eastern half of Texas, from Dallas to Hidalgo. With one of the largest arsenals of professional-grade taiko around, including the largest playable drum in North America, Kaminari Taiko never fails to make a lasting impact.
For the latest information about Kaminari's upcoming events, see the Schedule page or check us out on Facebook or Twitter.
Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996, when Jay Mochizuki brought together a diverse group of artists to create a group dedicated to celebrating Japanese culture through musical performance. In the fourteen years since its founding, Kaminari Taiko has grown into the premier taiko ensemble in the Gulf South, performing at concerts and festivals from Texas to Tennessee.
Each fall Kaminari Taiko delights Houstonians with its Grand Taiko Concert at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. This two and a half hours of high-energy taiko drumming, Japanese classical dancing, and guest performances brings in some of the largest and most enthusiastic audiences in town; last year's Grand Taiko Concert was attended by 19,000 fans over two evenings.
Kaminari Taiko is a cornerstone of Japanese cultural organizations in Houston, headlining the always-popular Houston Japan Fest each April. In 2009 the Consul-General of Japan in Houston presented the Consul-General's Special Award to Kaminari Taiko in recognition of the group's contributions to promoting deeper connection and understanding between Japan and the United States.
In addition to sharing Japanese culture through its performances, Kaminari Taiko also gives back to the community by putting on educational taiko workshops. Kaminari works with local schools, hospitals, and organizations for children with disabilities to bring the joy of music to children around Houston.
Kaminari Taiko travels extensively around the Houston area and across several states to perform at festivals, concerts, schools, private parties, and corporate events. In just the last two years, Kaminari has performed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and across the Eastern half of Texas, from Dallas to Hidalgo. With one of the largest arsenals of professional-grade taiko around, including the largest playable drum in North America, Kaminari Taiko never fails to make a lasting impact.
For the latest information about Kaminari's upcoming events, see the Schedule page or check us out on Facebook or Twitter.
