Seattle Kokon Taiko is a performing group based in the local Japanese American community. SKT traces its roots to the Seattle Taiko Group, which formed in April 1980 following a dynamic performance by Ondekoza at the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. In 1987, three members left STG to form Kokon Taiko Ensemble and focus on smaller, more musical performance pieces. In 1992, these two groups merged to form Seattle Kokon Taiko.
Our early teachers and influences included: Seiichi Tanaka and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, San Jose Taiko, Kinnara Taiko, and Katari Taiko. Later influences include Uzume Taiko, Kenny Endo and Kodo. Over the years, we have performed at schools, arts festivals, street fairs, community programs, corporate events and in concert throughout Washington and Oregon.
Taiko is a dynamic synthesis of rhythm, movement and spirit originating in Japan and evolving as a folk art over the last several hundred years. In Seattle Kokon Taiko, we try to combine the ancient with the modern; our repertoire is a mix of traditional pieces and contemporary compositions.
Through taiko, we hope to contribute to the development of a uniquely Japanese American art form –Japanese in origin, American in expression– that weaves threads of continuity between generations and builds bridges of understanding among people of all nationalities and walks of life.
We are currently based out of the International District of Seattle.