“Taiko” is the Japanese word for drum. However, the significance of Taiko in Japanese culture extends far beyond just being a percussion instrument. Since ancient times, Taiko has been utilized in battlefields, Shinto and Buddhist religious ceremonies, festivals, royal courts, and theatrical performances. Taiko was used to ward off evil spirits and pests, mimic thunder during droughts, and express gratitude for bountiful harvests. Taiko for Shumei serves to symbolize the moment of exchange between prayers offered to God and the spiritual Light granted as a response. This exchange of prayer and Light occurs at a deeply sacred moment.  

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In the Shumei tradition, Taiko is a prayer. Taiko has been played in our Shumei ceremonies since 1971. Our Crestone Center’s taiko activities began in 2003. Over the years, local and Japanese Taiko groups have come to Crestone for SII Anniversaries and the Crestone Music Festival.

In 2016, Shumei Crestone HIKARI Taiko was established by Grammy-winning Taiko Sensei Koji Nakamura as a remote teacher, along with active and dedicated local staff and community members. HIKARI Taiko has flourished into the vibrant community group it is today. Several years ago, Sensei Koji Nakamura returned to Japan, but with the commitment of the staff and locals, our Taiko group continues to thrive.

 

If you are interested in participating in this important Shumei activity, please sign up for our email list and keep an eye out for upcoming Taiko Workshops.