Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2011

Aoyama Theater’s annual extravaganza brings the reverberations of the massive odaiko drum to central Tokyo. This year’s Taiko Japan kicks off with a pair of major concerts, followed by a two-day drumming competition. Slated to perform in the first concert are Tokyo Dagekidan, who will lead the audience through their paces in a participatory event. The second day is to feature groups including the world-famous Kodo, which represent taiko’s 20th century journey from temples and festivals to theaters and concert halls. The official 10th Tokyo International Taiko contest takes place on the final two days.

Aoyama Theater, Aug 25-28 (listing).