Watsonville Taiko

Watsonville Taiko Watsonville Taiko creates opportunities
to make meaningful connections
through taiko drumming.

The specific purpose of Watsonville Taiko is to study, learn and preserve the art of traditional and modern styles of Taiko drumming, and in conjunction with these:

Study other aspects of Japanese culture that may be relevant to the study of the art of Taiko drumming, including, but not limited to, the study of Japanese folklore, music, dance and history. Educate the public by performing in conce

rts, by conducting workshops and classes and by developing literature and multimedia to be used by the general public to learn more about taiko and other traditional arts of Japan. The mission of the Watsonville Taiko Group is to foster the evolving cultural expression and traditions of taiko drumming through performances and public education.

New Odaiko class starts Aug 21. Six Saturdays: Aug 22, 29; Sept 19, 26; Oct 17, 24. Hours: 1:30 - 4 pm. Cost: $300 for n...
08/02/2026

New Odaiko class starts Aug 21.
Six Saturdays: Aug 22, 29; Sept 19, 26; Oct 17, 24.
Hours: 1:30 - 4 pm.
Cost: $300 for non-members, $250 for members.
Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn Ave Watsonville

We will learn how the odaiko, chudaiko and shime all come together in the ensemble. Come prepared to sweat and have a blast.

---------------🌊Wharf to Wharf: Sunday, July 26🌊-----------The day was beautiful. We set up our drums in front of the p...
07/27/2026

---------------🌊Wharf to Wharf: Sunday, July 26🌊-----------

The day was beautiful. We set up our drums in front of the private surfers’ gate in Capitola around 7:00 am, as surfers passed in and out of the gate. We drummed nonstop for three hours. We saw bumblebees, unicorns, dinosaurs, and butterflies pass by in front of our sound wave. A big flow of people… 16,000 people enjoyed running, walking, and jogging, exchanging smiles and cheering on a beautiful summer morning!

🍜Obon Festival at Watsonville Buddhist Temple-Sunday, July 19 Watsonville Taiko opened the drumm...
07/26/2026

🍜Obon Festival at Watsonville Buddhist Temple-Sunday, July 19

Watsonville Taiko opened the drumming at the Obon Festival with the song “Tenba - The Heavenly Horse.” Four new drummers participated in this year’s performance, bringing fresh energy to the audience as they celebrated the traditional annual event with the song Kodomobayashi.

Only one more day til Obon! Watsonville Buddhist Temple Sunday July 19, 12 noon - 5 pm. Drumming at 3 pm, dancing start...
07/17/2026

Only one more day til Obon! Watsonville Buddhist Temple Sunday July 19, 12 noon - 5 pm. Drumming at 3 pm, dancing starts at 4 pm. Special appearance during Kodomo Bayashi by some of our Intro to Taiko drummers.

🎋Save the day on Sunday, August 9 - 12:00 – 3:30 pm🎋 The Third Annual Tanabata Star Festival: Free EventPlease...
07/17/2026

🎋Save the day on Sunday, August 9 - 12:00 – 3:30 pm🎋
The Third Annual Tanabata Star Festival: Free Event

Please save Sunday, August 9, to join us for our third annual Tanabata Star Festival at our Dojo, 150 Black Burn Street. The Tanabata Festival is celebrated on July 7 (solar calendar) or August 7 (lunar calendar), depending on the region. Two stars, Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the cowherd, are separated by the Milky Way, but they can meet once a year on Tanabata night. We will make origami ornaments and decorate bamboo branches to celebrate this special day.
On the Festival Day, we’ll offer origami instruction so all participants can learn to make decorations. People will also decorate bamboo branches to take home and enjoy the tradition of stargazing at night with family and friends. You might even see a shooting star … Let’s enjoy ourselves one summer afternoon, sharing time, talking, and connecting with family and friends, new and old.

Tanabata is coming! Get ready to fold up a storm of origami stars, kusudama, ocean creatures and other decorations. Se...
06/19/2026

Tanabata is coming! Get ready to fold up a storm of origami stars, kusudama, ocean creatures and other decorations. See flyer for reservation and lunch details.

Meet us in the dojo! New 8-week Intro to Taiko sessions start July 3 (Friday class) or July 11 (Sat class). Here's you...
06/19/2026

Meet us in the dojo! New 8-week Intro to Taiko sessions start July 3 (Friday class) or July 11 (Sat class). Here's your chance to have fun, reduce stress and experience the many lessons and practices of taiko in a body-friendly way. Learn proper breathing, balance, stance, the flow of ki, focus. Learn to draw the deep, resonant voice from your drum. And do it all in a welcoming community of fellow learners.

Classes at Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn St, Watsonville
Friday 10 - 11 am or
Saturday 9 - 10 am
Fee $130/session, plus registration & bachi.
To register, email [email protected]

>>June/July Events
06/19/2026

>>June/July Events

** May / June Events ** Come and see us!* UCSC JSA Matsuri Sat, May 9, 5:15 - 6 pm, Porter Dining Hall, Porter-Kresge R...
05/08/2026

** May / June Events ** Come and see us!

* UCSC JSA Matsuri Sat, May 9, 5:15 - 6 pm, Porter Dining Hall, Porter-Kresge Rd, Santa Cruz (on UC Campus)

* AAPINH (Asian American, Pacific Islander & Native Hawaiian) Celebration, Sat, May 16, 2 pm, Buena Vista Brewery, 65 Hangar Way, Watsonville

* JACL Picnic, Sat Jun 27, TBA, Watsonville Buddhist Temple

💦Big Sur Marathon　- Sunday, April 26 🌨️This year’s Big Sur Marathon event began with occasional light rain, and drummers...
04/30/2026

💦Big Sur Marathon　- Sunday, April 26 🌨️

This year’s Big Sur Marathon event began with occasional light rain, and drummers gathered in the dark to pass through the gate together early in the morning. After we arrive at the site, we set up all the drums under the canopies to keep them dry. During the race, the runners kept going, drawing strength from the smiles and brief, energetic shouts exchanged with the drummers as they climbed the hill.
We had a few raindrops while drumming, but the weather kindly held off, allowing us to finish the event.

Address

P. O. Box 1673
Watsonville, CA
95077

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