天鼓

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 11215

saturday taiko class members & instructors

instructor akiko uchiyama

Akiko began 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

Yumi began learning Taiko in the U.S. to stay connected to Japanese tradition while living far from home, and simply because she fell in love with its powerful yet gentle sound. For her Taiko is more than a performing art. It is a practice of presence, and a way of connecting with others. She believes that each person brings their own voice to the drum, creating a sound that is uniquely theirs. She hopes you will discover and share your own sound with TMD!

tatum shirls

"The body achieves what the mind believes."

daniel tapia

Drum your life to the fullest with us!!!

yuka minagi

“Hearts united, resonating worldwide!”

jose mediavilla

tiffany yang

“Tiffany is drawn to taiko for its power, rhythm, and sense of community. She loves upbeat, driving pieces that push her focus and stamina. When she’s not drumming, she’s usually making something creative. Taiko keeps her energized and connected.”

michael mulqueen

"Michael loves taiko for its ability to bring people together and create a sense of connection. Outside of taiko he is a clinical social worker and he enjoys playing board games and seeing live music in his free time"

天鼓