Links and friends of St.Louis Osuwa Taiko

Taiko Groups

Kodo is the world's premier taiko group. One of their members, Kaoru Watanabe, is a St. Louis native and got his start in taiko with St. Louis Osuwa Taiko! Because of that we're sometimes lucky enough to hang with Kodo when they're in (or near) town.

This is the closest thing we can find to an Osuwa Taiko web site. This is the group Oguchi-sensei, the man who started modern taiko, founded. Oguchi-sensei is also responsible for starting St. Louis Osuwa Taiko in 1986.

San Jose Taiko comes to town sometimes for the Japanese Festival at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. Our members have learned a lot over the years from their workshops here and in California.

You can debate whether the On Ensemble plays taiko or the next generation of what taiko is to become. But whatever they play, they're amazing, and shoudln't be missed if you get a chance. Shoji (also with Taiko Project) is the one who taught us Omiyage.

For a pure taiko experience, there's no group better to watch than Taikoproject. If you can see them and not want to jump up and play, you can be declared clincally dead in 37 states.

Other Taiko Links

Rolling Thunder is probably the biggest central location for taiko news and products out there. (Also probably the oldest, since they managed to snag the taiko.com domain name.

There are many places to get taiko information, including Discover Nikkei's Taiko Database, put together as part of the taiko exhibit Big Drum at the Japanese American National Museum.

The City Museum isn't really a museum, but it is in the city. You have to see it to believe it. We also sometimes work on really fun collaborative acts with the circus kids who practice there.

The St. Louis Arches is a circus comprised entirely of kids and two people with high blood pressure who are crazy enough to think they can control nine circus kids at once. But their act is amazing. We've occasionally been able to collaborate with them, and it's a lot of fun.

We owe many thanks to Terry Good, Sue Greenberg, and the Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts for selflessly (and feelessly) helping us to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) organization.

The only reason we have a place to practice is The University of Missouri, St. Louis Music Department. In return we perform all around the campus for free. Thanks to Prof. Henry, Dr. Glassman, and Mr. Shibusawa.