One of the most popular forms of Japanese percussion, taiko drumming has captivated audiences in Japan and around the world with its powerful, energetic rhythms. Yet traditional taiko performances are often rare, usually limited to festivals or occasional theatre shows. Until now.
Led by renowned taiko and shinobue (bamboo flute) artist Yuki Yamanaka, Japanese Drums Entertainment EN has started staging regular performances at Hulic Hall Kyoto since December 2025. The ensemble, made up of both seasoned veterans and rising young performers, blends the traditional sounds of taiko with modern staging and choreography.
The 45-minute show is entirely non-verbal, relying on the dynamic interplay of drum sounds, rhythms and physical expression to create an experience that’s instinctively accessible and thrilling for all audiences. In the theatre’s intimate 200-seat setting, the show becomes an immersive, multi-sensory experience, as viewers don’t just see and hear the performance, but also feel the vibrations of the drums.
Tickets are available online.
