Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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What does the future hold for Japan’s most thunderous tradition?

In this episode of Waves of Thunder, we explore the evolution of taiko on home soil — from centuries-old craftsmanship to bold new visions. Featuring Akitoshi Asano of the legendary Asano drum-making family and Matoi no Kai, a next-generation ensemble redefining community through rhythm.

Taiko is no longer just ritual or performance — it’s a living force.

Watch now and witness where it’s headed next.

🥁 I'm Ruairi Glasheen, and I'm an Irish percussionist, composer and filmmaker based in London.

- More about me -
RuairiGlasheen.net/about
Instagram: instagram.com/ruairi_glasheen
Facebook: facebook.com/RuairiGlasheenMusic
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@ruairiglasheen

- My Courses -
How to Play Bodhrán: Begin Your Journey and Develop Your Practice: bodhran.teachable.com

- Press -
Irish Examiner: irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41335090.html
BBC Radio 4: bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k17h
CNN: edition.cnn.com/2018/09/17/middleeast/young-iranians-revive-ancient-drumming-traditions/index.html
Times of India: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/connecting-with-kanjira/articleshow/80228301.cms

WAVES OF THUNDER: PART 5 – The Future of Japanese Taiko

Part 5 Featuring （敬称略）
Akitoshi Asano 浅野 昭利
Shunichiro Kamiya 神谷俊一郎
Yui Kamiya 神谷唯
Matoi No Kai まといの会
Nobuto Takao 髙尾信都
Toshihiro Aoki 滄木寿広

Kindly Supported By the Daiwa Foundation @TheDaiwaFoundation