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.