The energy at the Ōnami Taiko Center was electric as legendary Kodo member Taiyo Onoda returned for an exclusive masterclass, effortlessly bridging global taiko worlds with his trademark warmth and inspiring us to look far beyond the rhythm to find the deep physical intention behind every strike.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden offers more than an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of spring blooms. It serves as a living classroom where Japanese cultural traditions are shared, practiced, and celebrated.

Being asked to perform at the San Diego debut for Sumo + Sushi was such an amazing experience! Much like taiko, sumo carries over 1,500 years of history rooted in ritual, discipline, and presence. Sumo + Sushi builds on that foundation, blending performance with storytelling.

We performed across eight dates this season—January 31; February 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, and 16—and every weekend brought its own energy. The sun was out (mostly), families were gathering, and kids were excited to hear the big drums let out their first big DON.

We were invited back again this year as the Dragon’s Drumbeat during NINJAGO Weekends (January 17, 18, 19, 24), performing inside NINJAGO World where everything already feels bright, kinetic, and full of motion.

We explored rhythms and influences from islands across the world—Japan, the Caribbean, the Polynesian islands, the Philippines—and stepped into movements and musical ideas that felt new for many of us.