Taikowalt's Quarter One Update

Hey everyone!

I hope you’ve all been doing well as we move through 2025! I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what’s been going on and share some exciting updates with you.

January-February: A Journey to Japan

In February, I traveled to Japan, where I spent time meeting with Taiko players and groups from different regions. It was inspiring to connect with so many talented artists and learn new perspectives on the art of taiko. The time spent there has given me so much inspiration for my approach to taiko, and I can’t wait to bring some of what I’ve learned back to my performances and workshops!

Shun Kamiya (Aichi)

Eri Uchida (Fujieda)

Toho Daiko (Shizuoka)

Takaaki Sugiyama (Saitama)

March: LA Taiko Collective at the LA Kings Game

March has been a busy month, and one of the highlights was performing with the LA Taiko Collective at the LA Kings game. It was such an honor to be part of such a high-energy event, bringing Taiko to Crypto.com Arena, and sharing the beautiful culture of Japanese American heritage.

LA Kings Game

LA Taiko Collective at Kings Game

LATC post Kings Game Performance

April: Exciting Projects and Performances 

Looking ahead to April, there are several exciting events I’m looking forward to:

• San Francisco Taiko Dojo at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, April 12: I’m beyond stoked to be emceeing for San Francisco Taiko Dojo at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. This is a huge event for me as a product of North American Taiko, especially after getting to know Tanaka Sensei over the past year! If you’re interested in checking out my casual interview with Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, you can check it out on TaikoVentures TV. Use the promo code WALTER to get 1 free month of the “Netflix of Taiko.”

• Song Workshop at Mountain View Buddhist Temple, April 10: I will also lead a workshop on my original song, 2nd and Central, at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple. I’m excited to share this song that tells a small story of my home, Little Tokyo, with my friends up North.

• Mount Shasta “Tadaima” Concert with Kenny Endo, Russel Baba, and Jeanne Mercer, April 25-27: At the end of April, I’ll be in Mount Shasta to watch an all-improv concert series featuring taiko legends Kenny Endo, Russel Baba, and Jeanne Mercer. These concerts will be available to watch via livestream. Please consider checking out the concerts (and supporting the artists) by purchasing a livestream ticket here. 

May: More Performances Ahead

Looking into May, I’ll perform with Team kaDON for the JACCC Children’s Day Festival on May 3rd. This is a public event and this will be my first time performing kaDON songs with an awesome group of artists!

Additionally, I’ll be joining my home group, Chikara Daiko, for their annual performance at the Centenary UMC Arigato Bazaar. This year’s performance will feature two of my taiko groups, San Fernando Valley Taiko and the Los Angeles Taiko Collective Jr. Performing Group. I've been very happy to return to my home group, and it’s even more special that I get to share this with my new taiko groups! 

Changes and New Adventures

This year has also brought some changes. I have stepped down as one of the coordinators of the Taiko Taikai to focus on some exciting new projects. It was a difficult decision, but I’m looking forward to the fresh opportunities that are coming my way.

In addition to my performances and teaching, I’ve recently started working part-time with KaDON in Little Tokyo, where I help with packing online orders. If your online order slip has a fun little picture drawn on it, that’s my little thank you for ordering! It’s been a great experience getting more involved with KaDON’s work behind the scenes!

I’m also thrilled to announce that I’ve been invited to be a core member of Matoi No Kai LA. This taiko team is made up of over 30 Taiko players from all over Southern California, and I’m so excited to see what we will create together. More info coming soon!

Thank You for Your Support

Finally, I want to thank all of you for your endless support over the years. Your encouragement has meant the world to me, and I’m so grateful to be able to share my journey with you.

If you would like to continue supporting my work, I invite you to consider donating to or investing in TaikoVentures. TaikoVentures is the company that sponsors me as an artist and provides the administrative support I need to keep creating, teaching, and performing. For more information or to make a donation, please visit TaikoVentures.com.

Thank you once again, and I look forward to seeing you all throughout the rest of this year!

-Walter Nishinaka

Class Registration: J-Town Taiko Club | SFV Taiko

Performance Inquiries: taikowalt@gmail.com