2026 Youth Taiko Gathering
November 21st-22nd
Co-hosted by Crespi Taiko and Makoto Taiko
WELCOME TO THE YOUTH TAIKO GATHERING!
The Youth Taiko Gathering brings North American youth taiko players together to foster connection and collaboration among youth taiko players, create opportunities to learn leadership values, and establish an environment for artistic excellence on stage.
Participants will learn new skills in one of four different taiko styles with our guest instructors:
Odaiko - Taiyo Onoda, Kodo Performing Arts Ensemble
Shime - Gaku Sasaki, TaikoProject
Katsugi Okedo - Yuta Kato, UnitOne
Naname - Tatiana Koike, Makoto Taiko
Students will work together on “Okaeri,” a collaborative ensemble piece written for youth taiko players that brings all four styles together.
The recommended age for this event is 12-18.
This year's Youth Taiko Gathering was made possible by generous donations from Makoto Taiko.
2026 YTG STAFF
Blaine O'Brien
Recital Director
Paul Sakamoto
Equipment Director
Tatiana Koike
Volunteer Director
Patrick Cruz
Program Director
Sharleen McLaughlin
Marketing and Communications
Karen Koyano
Budget and Finance
Jasmine Wong
Provisions