The Thunder Drumming Troupe
Taiko Masala has thrilled audiences throughout the US with performances of Japan's traditional drumming - Taiko.
Founded by Master drummer Hiro Kurashima, Taiko Masala performes at concerts, festivals, museums and schools, in addition to its active teaching schedule.
By combining the training and discipline of Japanese martial arts with the precision and power of complex drumming, Taiko Masala brings visually stanning and breathless excitement to their performances.
Their arsenal of instruments, all hand made by the ensemble, range from small eight-inch hand-held drums, to five foot barrel drums, and features the giant 250 pound O-daiko.
Japanese instruments including Shakuhachi, Fue, Koto, and dancing add richness and color to their programs.
Founder: Hiro Kurashima
Taiko Masala was formed in 2001 under the leadership and instruction of Suwa-style Master Drummer and Founder of the New York Suwa Taiko Association, Hiro Kurashima. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Taiko Masala strives to carry on the tradition of Grand Master Daihachi Oguchi. Grand Master Oguchi developed and introduced Suwa-style ensemble taiko drumming first to Japanese audiences in the 1950s and then to audiences around the world until his untimely death seven years ago. Grand Master Oguchi’s goal was, and the intention of Taiko Masala and all the other Suwa Taiko Association teams in the New York Metropolitan area is, to spread the joy of taiko to as many people as possible. Taiko Masala drummers—men and women of different ages, with different cultural, religious and music backgrounds; from different walks of life, for a wide range of personal reasons--come together with the intention to play well and share the joy of both traditional and contemporary taiko music with everyone.
Members
EVENT
2026
January 1 happy new year event at japan village in brooklyn
A free event for all families.
january 31 japan society of new york new year event
For ticketing and information: japansociety.org
April 4 cherry blossom festival in marine park brooklyn
A free event in the park. For more information: www.marineparkalliance.org
may 9 japan parade at central park west
july 25 widow jane mine concert
TAIKO RENTAL
For your events and performances, we have the largest selection of Taiko drums in New York area. From 14 inch Shime-Daiko to 60 inch O-okedo-Daiko,including gongs and conchs, we have everything you need for your performance.
We take great pride in being part of the city’s rich and diverse music community.
Get a quote ; info@taikomasala.com
Booking
and
workshop
Group lesson, drum provided, all levels.
Our professional instructor will visit your town, school, or event.
taiko performance
Our top rank Taiko performance for hire.
We perform both traditional and contemporary Taiko music, which will meet your needs. We go any where, and play for any occasions.
TMD saturday taiko class
Taiko Masala Dojo offers taiko lessons year round. We believes that taiko can be accessible to everyone and enjoyable for all. From that starting point, The Way of the Drum… lays out a principled basis for taiko in North America via the story of development from humble beginnings to national and international presence.
Class schedules
Basic class 3 pm - 4 pm
Intermediate class 4 pm - 5 pm
Advanced class 5 pm - 6 pm
1 hr class fee $40.00 2 hrs class fee $70.00
taiko masala dojo 630 sackett street brooklyn, ny
instructor Akiko Uchiyama wolham
Her taiko training 12 years ago with the goal of creating a taiko group at the high school where she teaches Japanese. What started as a single idea has become an irreplaceable part of her life. Through taiko, she has developed a deep appreciation for the performing arts, regional history in Japan, and the lasting bonds formed with fellow taiko players.
instructor Yumi ogawa
Member Tatum shirly
"The body achieves what the mind believes."