TOKARA & Skyfire Taiko

A CO-PRODUCTION WITH

TOKARA was founded in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, by Wadaiko Artist Art Lee. The group has become a strong force in the world of Wadaiko (Taiko Drumming) both in Japan and internationally.

While incorporating arrangements of traditional Taiko pieces into their performance, TOKARA has created an all-new style of Taiko, where electrifying speed and power meet the group’s own arrangements of movement, incorporating dance and the circular fluidity of the Chinese martial arts and aikido.

TOKARA’s new style of Taiko music also brings rhythmic signatures from other cultures around the world to create a jazzy and exciting style of taiko music. TOKARA started its international debut with a six-week coast-to-coast tour of the U.S. and Canada, followed by a two-month tour in 2005, both to critical acclaim and sold-out audiences. TOKARA has since performed as the main attraction in many events, including the Hamanako Hanahaku All-Japan Expo and the Taipei City 120th Anniversary World Music Festival.

Since the group’s inception, TOKARA tours three to four times a year in Asia, the U.S., various countries in Europe, Australia, and India, as well as making regular appearances at some of the top Taiko performances all over Japan.

TOKARA continues the intensive process of continually reinventing new pieces and playing styles in an attempt to further develop the group’s originality. The members of TOKARA also continue to research and study traditional Wadaiko pieces, and to incorporate arrangements of these pieces into their performances.

TOKARA is joined on the NACC stage by Yellowknife’s own Skyfire Taiko.