The Appeal, History, and Ticket Purchase Methods for Japan's Taiko Drummers "YAMATO"

When visiting Japan for tourism, many people think "I want to experience authentic Japanese culture" and "I want to create special memories." For those who find traditional performing arts like Kabuki and Noh seem difficult and intimidating, we recommend the stage performances of the internationally acclaimed Taiko (Japanese drum) group "YAMATO." The resonance of Taiko, which you can feel not only with your ears but throughout your entire body, connects people across countries and languages.

This article introduces the appeal and history of YAMATO, world tour information including performance dates, and ticket purchasing methods. If you want to make a day of your trip into a special experience, please use this as a reference.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"?

2. The Appeal of Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"

3. Timeline of Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"

3-1. Foundation and International Success (1993-2002)
3-2. World Tour Expansion
3-3. Further Challenges

4. WORLD TOUR "Hito no Chikara" (2025) Performance Information

5. How to Purchase Tickets for Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"

Summary

1. What is the Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"?

和太鼓集団「倭-YAMATO」日本ツアーがスタート！
今週末は長野公演！
7月3日（土）14時〜　飯山市文化交流館なちゅら
エネルギー溢れる舞台をお届けします！https://t.co/PHYuvtfuHX@iiyama_natura  #和太鼓ライブ #長野県 pic.twitter.com/gJp8mx4Ot5

— 倭-YAMATO the Drummers of Japan (@Yamato_Drummers) July 1, 2021

"YAMATO" is a Taiko group based in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, known as the birthplace of Japanese culture. Since their debut performance at a shrine in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture in 1993, they have performed over 4,500 times in 55 countries worldwide, captivating a total of 10 million audience members. With the motto "We'll go anywhere we're called," the members tour various countries each year, focusing on theater performances while also continuing a wide range of activities including school performances and workshops.

On stage are dozens of Taiko drums of various sizes, including large drums with a diameter of 2 meters and weighing 500 kilograms, along with the Taiko performers. The powerful resonance reaches not only the ears but the entire body, creating a unique expression called "music of the flesh." Audiences can experience this energy not just by listening, but with their hearts and bodies. YAMATO believes in the infinite possibilities of Taiko and continues their journey as an entity that delivers vitality to the world while constantly taking on new challenges.

2. The Appeal of Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"

倭-YAMATO生ご挨拶 Greeting from Japan on YouTube!
6月19日（土）17:00～
17:00 of Sat 19 June in Japan time. Please join!#ライブ配信 https://t.co/yw26cXAWvp pic.twitter.com/pjXXZe0kPa

— 倭-YAMATO the Drummers of Japan (@Yamato_Drummers) June 18, 2021

The stage of "YAMATO" is shaped by the inherent power of Taiko itself and the passion of founder Masaaki Ogawa. Taiko has long been an instrument used to inspire people in Shinto rituals and festivals, and its resonance still reaches directly to the soul today. "YAMATO" respects this tradition while incorporating new compositions, choreography, and stage design, elevating it into a visually powerful comprehensive art form.

The deep resonance born from large drums exceeding 2 meters in diameter and the Taiko performances played by thoroughly trained bodies shake the entire audience. The performances are sometimes intense, sometimes humorous, drawing people in across national and cultural boundaries. This passionate energy resonates between audience and performers, uniting the entire venue. The stage of "YAMATO," which fuses tradition and innovation, can be said to continue showing the world new possibilities for Taiko music.

3. Timeline of Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"

#中村成　桶胴太鼓 曲「有頂天」より　

彼曰く、倭への入団は衝撃的で想像を超えるものと語る。

・自分で創ったバチ
・早朝ランニング
・徹底的な健康管理
・照明、音響、舞台の設営
・世界各国で観客の熱い応援

ありとあらゆることを、メンバーで行う。
常に全力。これが倭なのだと。 pic.twitter.com/XOOyJcw62G

— 倭-YAMATO the Drummers of Japan (@Yamato_Drummers) April 3, 2020

"YAMATO" has expanded their activities from Nara to the world since their founding in 1993. Here we present their journey from the founding period through international success to the present in timeline format.

(Reference: YAMATO "Profile of YAMATO")

3-1. Foundation and International Success (1993-2002)

"YAMATO" was born in Nara, starting with Japanese performances and spreading to Asia and South America within a few years. This was the dawn period when they gained worldwide attention following their award in Edinburgh in 1998.

3-2. World Tour Expansion

The golden period of implementing world tours with annual themes, performing hundreds of shows per year. They expanded their stage from Europe to America and Asia, establishing an unshakeable position as a world-class taiko group.

3-3. Further Challenges

Layering themes of "Challenge," "Passion," and "Destiny," they overcame the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and made a comeback. They are now in an ongoing era of continuing to resonate with audiences through a wide range of activities from online performances to world tours.

4. YAMATO Performance Information

"YAMATO" is conducting a large-scale world tour in 2025 with their new work "Hito no Chikara - The Power of People". This performance, themed on "The Power of People," is a spectacular stage that connects sound, body, and the hearts of the audience. With 51 performances across the United States and Canada, 66 performances in 6 European countries, and additional shows in South Korea and Japan, they are captivating audiences worldwide. They have already received acclaim at the EDP Theatre on Gran Via in Madrid, where audiences shared experiences of laughter, tears, and soul-stirring moments.

In Japan, performances are scheduled to begin in October 2025, with shows at Osaka International House (January 4), Acrie Himeji (October 5), Fukui Prefectural Citizens Hall (October 13), Kyoto Prefectural Citizens Hall ALTI (October 17 matinee and evening performances, October 18), and other venues across the country. The stage, where magnificent taiko resonance and physical expression merge, connects people beyond words and makes viewers feel "the power of people." Please experience this sensation that should be felt with all five senses directly at venues across Japan.

Japan Tour 2025 Performance Schedule

5. How to Purchase Tickets for Japanese Taiko Group "YAMATO"

Tickets for "YAMATO" performances can be purchased through Tickets in Japan.

■OSAKA

■HYOGO

■KYOTO

Summary

The Japanese taiko group "YAMATO" has been active since 1993, based in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, boasting over 4,500 performances in 55 countries worldwide and captivating a total of 10 million audience members. The performances centered around massive large drums can be experienced not only through hearing but felt throughout the entire body, creating a unique stage called "music of the flesh."

In the 2025 WORLD TOUR "Hito no Chikara," they continue to overwhelm audiences in the United States, Europe, and various locations throughout Japan, delivering energy that connects people. Tickets can be purchased through the official fan club and various ticket agencies. For those who want to deeply experience Japanese culture as a travel memory, please visit the venues and experience that power firsthand.

※This article was created based on information as of September 2025