About Kokyo Taiko     

           Kokyo Taiko was formed at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago in September, 1987 by a group of Sansei, and others, who were interested in learning Taiko.  The name, Kokyo, was suggested by the father of one of the founding members and means "Echo of the Lake".

          The group's first sensei, or teacher, was Roxane Tono, who studied Taiko with, and is an honorary member of Okaya Taiko, in Japan.  Her basic philosophy regarding Taiko was "Do the best you can, reach beyond what you think you can do and, most importantly,

have fun while doing it".   The "one mind-no mind" style instilled in the original members by Roxane continues to be a goal for the current group.  

          Kokyo Taiko is neither strictly Japanese Taiko, nor American drumming but the product of the collective and collaborative efforts of its individual members working together and drawing upon their Japanese and American traditions. 

          Kokyo Taiko performs not only in the metropolitan Chicagoland area, but also in neighboring states throughout the year for various ethnic organizations, City sponsored cultural events and other organizational activities.   Kokyo Taiko has been pleased to perform at Japanese Cultural Day at Detroit Tiger Stadium, Asian Moon Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MAJC Japan Festival, Chicago Botanic Garden's Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival, various international day celebrations as well as at numerous private events.  

 

 

"In-Residence" at The Buddhist Temple of Chicago

1151 W. Leland

Chicago, IL. 60640

773-334-4661

Email: kokyotaiko@yahoo.com

 

For information regarding public performances or taking taiko classes, please email kokyotaiko@yahoo.com


 

Upcoming Public Performances

  • Sunday, June 10, 1:00pm:  MAJC Japan Day Festival                                                                                    Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Rd, Arlington Heights, IL    60005                                                             
  • Sunday, June 24, 12:00pm:  Buddhist Temple of Chicago's Natsu Matsuri                                                         1151 W. Leland, Chicago, IL. 60640. Check the Buddhist Temple of Chicago's website for more information regarding ordering chicken teriyaki and other food.
  • Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19, 12:30pm: Malott Japanese Garden Festival   Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022. Parking admission rates apply.