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YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan
YAMATO: THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN
人の力 Hito no Chikara – The Power of Human Strength
Step into the world of YAMATO, the Japanese Taiko drumming sensation that has captivated audiences worldwide since 1993. YAMATO takes audiences on a whirlwind tour of rhythm and culture with more than 40 Taiko drums standing tall on stage, each with its own character, size and sound. The mighty “Odaiko,” carved from a 400-year-old tree, weighs 500 kg and sets the stage for an awe-inspiring experience. But it’s not just about power; YAMATO also creates delicate music, crafting a palette of meticulously curated sound and earning them the title of “physical music.”
PROGRAM
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura, Nara Prefecture — widely recognized in Japan as the nation’s hometown. They proudly refer to themselves as “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the world.” Since their formation in 1993, they have performed over 4,500 shows across 54 countries, sharing the powerful sound of Taiko with audiences worldwide.
Spending half a year touring in Japan and the other half touring the world, YAMATO’s motto is “We go everywhere when somebody needs YAMATO to bring energy to the people living in the world!” The group hosts workshops and Taiko lessons along with performing for events, schools, and theaters around the world.
On stage, more than 40 Taiko drums stand tall, each with its own unique character. The largest drum, called “Odaiko,” was produced from a tree over 400 years old, and weighs over 1000 pounds. Each drum is a different size and produces its own individual sound. The members of YAMATO have trained their bodies to the limit to beat these massive drums.
Their drums don’t only explode with sound; YAMATO produces delicate music that can be intense, sad, comforting, and even comical on stage. The audience becomes more than bystanders during a show, for when people gather around the sound of the Taiko, their lives interweave and they “feel the power of each other’s inner passion and heart.”
“Taiko drumming, to the unexplored field.”
Taiko is a musical instrument deeply familiar to every Japanese person. Since ancient times, its rich reverberations have inspired and encouraged people in a wide range of settings. Today, the unmistakable sound of Taiko can still be heard throughout Japan. For many, its deep, resonant beat is comforting—an enduring symbol of Japan itself—echoing through Shinto rituals and festivals across the nation.
Taiko’s powerful sound has also found a place in modern musical compositions and performing arts. Thanks to the dedication of skilled individual performers and troupes, who are captivated by the drum’s distinctive boom, Taiko is gaining new fans around the world. This iconic instrument is a profound representation of Japanese cultural identity.
We, the members of Yamato, believe in the unique value of Taiko. We are committed to preserving its traditions while exploring new possibilities for this majestic instrument. Our mission is to create even more opportunities for the sound of Taiko to resonate across the globe.
SELECT YOUR SEATS
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Please note that the Norton Center is a historic venue with limited accessible seating. Special reserved wheelchair and companion seating is available for all shows. Interpretive services and large print programs are available upon request at least 20 days in advance of the performance. Please call the Box Office at 859-236-4692 to request assistance with your accommodations.
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For more information, please call the Box Office at 859-236-4692 or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.