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.

** 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.

[[ New Class Session Starts May 1 ]]Ready to try a powerful new discipline? A new Intro to Taiko class starts Friday, Ma...
04/18/2026

[[ New Class Session Starts May 1 ]]
Ready to try a powerful new discipline? A new Intro to Taiko class starts Friday, May 1 or Saturday, May 2. Kids' class too! Enroll now.

Intro to Taiko (adults) $130 plus reg & bachi
Friday May 1 - Friday June 26 10 - 11 am, or
Saturday May 2 - Saturday June 27 9 - 10 am

Childrens' Class $100 plus reg & bachi
Fridays May 1- June 26 4:30 - 5:30 (age 8-14)
Fridays May 1 - June 26 5:30 - 6:30 pm (age 11-14)

All classes at Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn St, Watsonville. To register email [email protected]

::April Events::- Sat April 11, Hanamatsuri at Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge St, 11 - 2; taiko performance at ...
04/03/2026

::April Events::

- Sat April 11, Hanamatsuri at Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge St, 11 - 2; taiko performance at 1:30 pm

- Sat April 25, Cherry Blossom Festival at Cupertino Memorial Park, 10 - 5:30; taiko performance at 4:45 pm.

- Sun Apr 26, Big Sur International Marathon. If you are running, stop and drum with us. We'll see you there!

Seaweed Art Workshop: Saturday, March 8 🪸People enjoyed learning how to decorate candles with seaweed.
03/09/2026

Seaweed Art Workshop: Saturday, March 8 🪸

People enjoyed learning how to decorate candles with seaweed.

Workout on Sunday Afternoon: February 22Twelve people gathered on Sunday afternoon to challenge themselves by playing bi...
03/09/2026

Workout on Sunday Afternoon: February 22

Twelve people gathered on Sunday afternoon to challenge themselves by playing big drums.

>> New Taiko Session: March - April
02/22/2026

>> New Taiko Session: March - April

Odaiko class and workshops: January - March 2026The Odaiko is placed horizontally on the stand, and the drummers strike ...
02/12/2026

Odaiko class and workshops: January - March 2026

The Odaiko is placed horizontally on the stand, and the drummers strike it from the right, left, or both sides. Since sound travels horizontally, the drummer must keep their upper body level to produce sound by rotating it and engaging their core, rather than relying solely on arm movement. We practice music slowly to focus on maintaining proper posture and stance, and to relax our upper bodies so we can use our core for the Odaiko strokes.💥

🎍Happy New Year 🐴We shed our worn skin in the rain during the last days of the Year of the Snake. The fire horse has arr...
01/02/2026

🎍Happy New Year 🐴

We shed our worn skin in the rain during the last days of the Year of the Snake. The fire horse has arrived, bringing the fierce energy of transformation.

Beginning Odaiko class and Odaiko workshops coming to our dojo in January. One-day workshops:Dates: Sunday, Jan 25 ...
12/20/2025

Beginning Odaiko class and Odaiko workshops coming to our dojo in January.

One-day workshops:
Dates: Sunday, Jan 25
Sunday, Feb 22
Sunday, Mar 22
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Fee per workshop: $60 (supporting member*)
$80 (non-supporting member)

*Annual Supporting Member Fee: $50 for the January - December calendar year.

Beginning Odaiko class (3- month/ 6-session)
Saturday, Jan 24, Jan 31, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, Feb 21, Feb 28, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, Mar 21, Mar 28, 1:30 - 4:00 pm

Fee: $200, includes study video

Due to its strenuous physical demands, this class is NOT for individuals with physical limitations/issues,

For more info and to reserve a spot in a workshop or class, contact [email protected]

11/20/2025

It's the sharing season!

' (Tues, Dec 2, 2025) was started in 2012 as a way to encourage people to do good and share with others by supporting nonprofits. This year, we are not asking for your money. Instead, we want to encourage you to support those local nonprofits who are directly helping your community members most affected by the current economic climate.

Some of our favorites here on the Central Coast are Second Harvest Food Bank https://donate.thefoodbank.org/campaign/703499/donate and Meals on Wheels https://communitybridges.org/mealsonwheels/. The upcoming KSBW Share Your Holiday campaign (Dec 12) is another good one. Need more inspiration? The Santa Cruz Gives campaign https://santacruzgives.org/ supports 72 nonprofits, serving all kinds of people in need.

Wherever you live, there will be neighbors and community members in need this holiday season, and likely into next year. Give what you can, where you can, to a cause that is near to your heart. Each and every donation helps, and when we all pitch in we can make a big difference. Pick an organization, do good, and share! Feel free to leave a comment and suggest other organizations.

Address

P. O. Box 1673
Watsonville, CA
95077

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