LA Matsuri Taiko

The Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko Aiko-kai was formed in 1977 by Etsuo Hongo with its first practice in the basement of the Nishi Hongwanji Temple. Equipment consisted of a handmade taiko, another loaned from the temple and old tires placed on fold up chairs. Equipment slowly started to improve in 1978 as Hongo-sensei started to bring in taiko from Japan.

The group performed at local community events and eventually grew to play at various events across the states. The group, renamed LA Matsuri Taiko, began sharing the stage with Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka and the San Francisco Taiko Dojo with Taiko Festivals featuring an array of guest artists from Japan. The LA Taiko Festival 2022 is a reunion of fond memories bringing back original members from the Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko Aiko-kai.