Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity, and empowerment. Formed in 1994 by Ann Ishimaru, Zachary Semke, and Japanese American community activists, Portland Taiko started with one homemade taiko and practice drums made from car tires. With community support, the group built and purchased new drums, presented its first full-length concert in 1997, and became a non-profit organization and toured North America in the early 2000s.

The group has headlined at arts festivals and concert halls, released three CDs, and has performed at hundreds of community events and school assemblies. Portland Taiko has commissioned and collaborated with numerous artists, including Hanayui, Shohei Kikuchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Subashini Ganesan, Obo Addy, Sivagami Vanka, Carla Mann, Mike Barber, and Minh Tran.

Portland Taiko performs throughout the Pacific Northwest, offers classes and workshops, and conducts team-building workshops for businesses and community groups. Portland Taiko is eager to share its artistry and educational programs throughout the greater Portland community and the country. To date, Portland Taiko has reached over 1 million audience members at over 1500 performances at theaters, schools, community events, and festivals.

Portland Taiko at Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 24, 2024 @ 5:15pm – 6:00pm (PST)
Garden Home Recreation Center, Portland, OR, United States

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Beaverton. Portland Taiko will perform at the Garden Home Recreation Center Gymnasium, 7475 SW Oleson Rd. aroun…

Free

Issho: Rhythm Connection

Saturday, November 11, 2023 @ 7:00pm – 1:00pm (PST)
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton, OR, United States

"Issho: Rhythm Connection" is Portland Taiko's first major theater production since 2019. "Issho," meaning "together" in Japanese, represen…

$39 ($24 student)

Finding Her Beat – Taiko Documentary & Live Performance

Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 2:00pm – 4:00pm (PDT)
Hollywood Theatre, Portland, OR, United States

Finding Her Beat is a documentary film from 2022 that spotlights the best female taiko drummers from North America and Japan. The film feat…

$10 ($8 senior/student/child)

Portland Taiko Farm Festival

Saturday, September 9, 2023 @ 3:00pm – 6:00pm (PDT)
Triskelee Farm, West Linn, OR, United States

Portland Taiko returns to Triskelee Farm in West Linn for a full-length outdoor concert. Bring your picnic blanket, camping chairs and favo…

$28 ($10 ages 4-18; ages 3 & under free)

Portland Taiko at Jade Night Market

Saturday, August 19, 2023 @ 7:30pm – 8:30pm (PDT)
Portland Community College Southeast, Portland, OR, United States

The Jade District International Night Market returns to PCC SE on Saturday August 19th, 2023. This fun, free community event runs from 1pm …

Free

Portland Taiko at Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 @ 7:00pm – 7:30pm (PDT)
Japanese American Historical Plaza, Portland, OR, United States

This annual event at the Japanese American Historical Plaza is a memorial to the victims of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, …

Free (RSVP available)

Portland Taiko at Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 @ 6:00pm – 6:30pm (PDT)
Japanese American Historical Plaza, Portland, OR, United States

This annual event at the Japanese American Historical Plaza is a memorial to the victims of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, …

Free (RSVP available)

Portland Taiko at Obon Fest

Saturday, August 5, 2023 @ 5:30pm – 7:00pm (PDT)
Oregon Buddhist Temple, Portland, OR, United States

This year Portland Taiko will show case two groups. The first Obon performance will join Portland Taiko student classes together for a comm…

Free (donations appreciated)

Portland Taiko: People of the Drum

Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 4:30pm – 6:30pm (PDT)
Gateway Discovery Park, Portland, OR, United States

People of the Drum is a FREE community event featuring live music, drumming, and dance workshops by:

Hula Hālau 'Ohana Holo'oko'a
Mexica Tiah…

Free

Portland Rose Festival Starlight Parade

Saturday, June 3, 2023 @ 8:00pm – 10:00pm (PDT)
Downtown Portland, Portland, OR, United States

The CareOregon Starlight Parade is the one of the Rose Festival's most popular events offering electrified funky fun for everyone. From tra…

Free

Portland Taiko Farm Festival

Saturday, August 27, 2022 @ 3:00pm – 6:00pm (PDT)
Triskelee Farm, West Linn, OR, United States

Portland Taiko presents its annual concert as an outdoor Farm Festival at Triskelee Farm in West Linn. Bring your own food and picnic blank…

$26 ($10 ages 4-18; ages 3 & under free)

Portland Taiko at the Hillsboro Farmer's Market

Saturday, August 20, 2022 @ 10:00am – 11:00am (PDT)

Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity, and empowerment. Formed…

Free

Portland Taiko: People of the Drum

Saturday, July 23, 2022 @ 4:30pm – 6:30pm (PDT)
Gateway Discovery Park, Portland, OR, United States

Free drumming performances and drumming/dance workshops by Hula Hālau 'Ohana Holo'oko'a, Mexica Tiahui, Alex Addy Drummers, and Portland Ta…

Free

Portland Taiko at Nikkei Park Celebration

Friday, July 15, 2022 @ 7:00pm – 9:00pm (PDT)
Nikkei Park, Vancouver, WA, United States

We're excited to join the Naming Celebration of the new Nikkei Park in Vancouver, Washington! Please join us for live music by the Minidoka…

Free