2025 Makoto Taiko 2025 Concert: Hishō - Special Guests: Eri Uchida & Shoji Kameda at the JACCC Aratani TheatreNEW

This year’s concert theme, Hishō-meaning “flight” or “soaring”-captures the energy, movement, and boundless spirit of taiko. Through dynamic rhythms and expressive motion, we’ll celebrate the joy of soaring-spinning, moving with the drum, and grooving with heart and soul.|

We are thrilled to welcome two extraordinary guest artists: Eri Uchida from Japan, whose renowned Katsugi style allows her to glide across the stage with breathtaking grace, and Shoji Kameda, a Grammy-recognized taiko artist, composer, and founder of kaDON.

This theme also reflects Makoto Taiko’s journey-rising to new heights as we embark on our 26th year of drumming. Join us for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, movement, and flight!

Eri Uchida
Eri Uchida, a taiko performer and instructor based in Shizuoka, Japan, brings over 15 years of professional experience to her craft. She spent a decade as a senior member of the world-renowned ensemble KODO, touring globally and overseeing the rigorous daily training of apprentices to cultivate the next generation of performers. Now a sought-after solo artist and educator, Eri combines technical mastery with a holistic teaching style, distilling foundational taiko elements into accessible lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Her work centers on empowering players to recognize and refine their innate potential, guiding them to elevate both their artistry and connection to the drum.

Shoji Kameda
Shoji Kameda is a Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and producer. A lifelong taiko artist (starting at age 8), he has performed with icons like Stevie Wonder, composed award-winning soundtracks, and was a founding member and the primary creative force of the genre-blurring group On Ensemble. In 2014 he cofounded kaDON, a dynamic taiko initiative empowering taiko players worldwide through workshops, original repertoire, high-quality instruments, and accessible online resources. Shoji's work bridges tradition and innovation making him a defining voice in the contemporary taiko world.

Event Date
May 31, 2025

Event Time
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tickets

Taiko Event Location
Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012