Drum Tao (Matinee)

“Extraordinarily talented percussion artists, and seductive, alluring performers.” – Chicago Tribune

Drum Tao was established in 1993 with the dream of creating the best show in the world utilizing Wadaiko, Japanese drums that express a very rare and unique variety of sounds. Now, more than 9 million spectators in over 26 countries across the globe have been touched by their spectacular performances. Many talented artists and staff members gathered from all over the world to join this innovative group, making their groundbreaking form of Japanese entertainment all the more peerless and modern. 

Based in Oita, Japan, Drum Tao creates their own music, stage setups, and costumes to produce their one-of-a-kind world of entertainment. Drum Tao’s stage is created through phenomenal performances and expressions which pair incomparable Wadaiko drums with the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. It is Japanese entertainment for a new generation that completely surpasses expectations.

Highly sought-after on the international stage, Drum Tao performed in the opening ceremony of Japonismes 2018 in Paris, France, leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and co-starred with the Bolshoi Ballet as the opening act of the “Japan Year in Russia” in front of several heads of state. In just one year, Drum Tao will perform 700 shows between their three teams of performers.

This highly acclaimed troop was awarded the Outstanding Cultural Contribution Award from Japan’s Oita prefecture, the Culture Creators Award from Taketa city, and both the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Award and the Minister of International Affairs and Communications Award from the Japanese government. 

Join us early in the Patrick Lawton Lobby for a free cultural demonstration. Students from The University of Memphis Japanese program will demonstrate calligraphy, origami and anime drawing.