Through innovation and excellence in taiko, Portland Taiko affirms Asian American pride, inspires audiences, builds community and educates about our heritage and culture.
About Portland Taiko
Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity and empowerment. The group was founded in 1994 by Ann Ishimaru, Zack 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, became a nonprofit organization and presented its first full-length concert in 1997. The group released three CDs and toured North America in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In 2023, world-renowned taiko performer, instructor and composer Tiffany Tamaribuchi became Portland Taiko’s Artistic Director. Tiffany helped the group celebrate their 30th anniversary season in 2024, which included a performance at Carnegie Hall with Sivagami Vanka and The Kalabharathi School of Dance. The same year, Willamette Week recognized Portland Taiko as one of the most iconic Portland bands of the last 50 years.
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.
Portland Taiko members during a rehearsal in June, 2003
Amplifying Culture, Supporting Our Community
To date, Portland Taiko has reached over 1 million audience members at more than 1500 performances at theaters, schools, community events and festivals. In an average year, the group has 40 performances, including at least one full-length concert.
Our performing corps is 100% volunteer, apart from our summer interns.
Portland Taiko also produces free community events such as People of the Drum, a concert featuring drumming groups from different cultural traditions. We believe the international language of music has the power to bring people together and dismantle negative stereotypes. Past performers include Alex Addy Drummers, Mexica Tiahui, Portland Kalai Khuzu and Oregon Korean Performing Arts.
The group also collaborates with other local composers and taiko artists from around the world. Past partnerships include: Hanayui, Shohei Kikuchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Subashini Ganesan, Obo Addy, Sivagami Vanka, Carla Mann, Mike Barber, Minh Tran and the Minidoka Swing Band.
Our Mission:
Through innovation and excellence in taiko, Portland Taiko affirms Asian American pride, inspires audiences, builds community and educates about our heritage and culture.
Strategic Plan
In 2024, Portland Taiko developed a three-year strategic plan. We sought input from community members, staff, board members and performers past and present.
Click the link below to download a one-page summary of our 2025-2027 strategic plan.