WORLD TAIKO CONFERENCE WEBSITE: https://en.wtctokyo.com/
In 2020, the inaugural World Taiko Conference (WTC) will be held in Tokyo, Japan. This event will connect people from around the world through taiko (Japanese drums) and share the wonder of taiko with a wider global audience.
Taiko, also known as “wadaiko” (Japanese drumming), originally emerged as a performing art in Japan around 70 years ago. This art-form continues to expand worldwide, enjoyed by people of diverse cultures and ethnicities, of all ages and any gender. Today, taiko stands out as a form of Japanese culture that has spread extensively around the world despite its relatively short history.
Two distinct qualities that set taiko apart from other musical instruments are its rich, powerful resonance and the ease with which anyone can make a sound when they first attempt to play it. WTC will offer a multifaceted lineup, designed for attendees to enjoy regardless of their taiko experience. The program will feature taiko performances along with exchange-centered activities and discussion sessions.
The first-ever taiko conference took place in 1997 in Los Angeles, USA. Ever since, North America Taiko Conference has been held as a biennial event, for a total of 11 times to date. Since 2016, Europe also has its own annual gathering: European Taiko Conference (ETC). In 2020, WTC will be the first taiko conference in Japan, where the art-form first began.