Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2012

17 countries. 400 cities. Five million spectators. Taiko troupe Tao has proved the appeal of its own drama-infused take on Japan’s drumming tradition with numerous overseas tours. Based in Aso-Kuju National Park in southern Kyushu, the group had a sensational official debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2004. Under founder Ikuo Fujitaka’s vision, the group—in contrast to the understated Kodo—offer a technicolor, costume-filled presentation with more than a whiff of Cirque du Soleil razzle-dazzle.

Yokohama Blitz, Jul 27-29 and Akasaka Blitz, Aug 3-5 (listing).