Kami-umezu Oni-daiko (River City Taiko). Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore with the power to ward off evil spirits. This particular example of “oni-drumming” is one of many from Sado Island, and is performed door-to-door in April (planting) and September (harvest) to bless each home.

Matsuri-daiko (UR Taiko Ensemble and River City Taiko). “Matsuri” is the Japanese word for “festival”. This song is based on traditional festival rhythms from Tokyo, and has become one of the most popular taiko songs in North America, often featuring improvised solos.

Shin-en (UR Taiko Ensemble). Shin-En was composed by Mark Rooney of Miyako Taiko in Washington, DC. Shin-En is performed for the final group performance at the annual Sakura Taiko Fest, in a sense becoming an example of modern, Japanese-American festival drumming.

Mozamjam (River City Taiko) Mozamjam was composed by Martin Doyle of Tsuchigumo Daiko in Glasgow, Scotland. The piece blends rhythms from East Africa, Cuba, the Middle East, and Japan—celebrating cultural diversity and the spirit of community through taiko.