Located in Tokyo, there is a place where you can learn how to play Japanese drums.

Japanese drums are known as Taiko, and they come in different sizes.
If you take part in this course you can learn the basics of Japanese drumming, the culture and tradition regarding Taiko, and watch a special performance up close from a professional drummer with the rest of the group! The instructors are flexible and easy-going, so don't feel bad if you make a mistake. Instructors can also converse in English, so Japanese knowledge is not required. Don't let that stop you from signing up!
There is no age limit. All ages, from children to seniors, are more than welcome to sign up and immerse themselves to the joys of playing Taiko.
The following are included in the course:

• Lesson by professional Japanese drum player
• Use of drum and drum sticks
• Rental happi (Japanese traditional coat for festivals)
• Private performance (1 song)

I personally visited one of their studios with a group of friends and participated in their lesson. I ended up having a very good time with my fellow would-be Taiko drummers. The studio I visited is located in Aoyama, but in total they have 6 main branches and 14 studios operating in 5 cities (Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Kobe, and Sendai) around Japan as "Taiko Lab Studios". The activity took about an hour and a half, but it hardly felt like that. Time truly flies by when you are having fun!

There is also a small gift shop, located at the entrance of the building. You can procure a pair of drumsticks, badges, and/or a happi as a souvenir for yourself, or to give to a friend or a relative as a gift. If you are ever in Japan, you really should try this out. It isn't every day you can play Taiko, so don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!



By Brad Stephens