Japanese taiko drumming, from right here in Southwest Ohio.
You feel taiko before you hear it. Wadaiko Gouken is a Japanese drum troupe based in the Cincinnati and Dayton area, and they practice, perform, and teach the art of Japanese drumming: wadaiko as it's called in Japan, taiko as most of the West knows it. They open Tsukicon 2026 twice: first at the Opening Ceremony on Friday at noon, then again on Saturday afternoon to kick off Kyosai at Levitt Pavilion.
Trained in Nara, rooted in Ohio
Wadaiko Gouken was founded by Eddie Yates, a Cincinnati native who trained and performed in Japan under sensei Daigoro Aska, leader of the Aska Gumi drum troupe in Nara. Aska Gumi is regarded as one of the top taiko troupes in the world, and Eddie was the only Westerner accepted to train and perform with them.
After his years in Japan, Eddie came home to teach, build a performing group, and give taiko a permanent place in the community. With more than 25 years of performing behind him, he formed Wadaiko Gouken to do exactly that.
What is taiko?
Taiko is ensemble drumming played on large Japanese drums with wooden sticks called bachi. It is as much movement as music: players strike with their whole bodies, in tight formation, and the biggest drums are loud enough to shake a room. If you've never seen it live, this is the performance to plan your day around.
A regional favorite
Wadaiko Gouken performs at Japanese cultural festivals and community events across Ohio and Kentucky, including the Japan/America Society of Kentucky's 2026 Japan Festival in Frankfort. They also teach: the troupe runs beginner taiko classes, workshops, and private lessons out of Giyu Dojo in Centerville, just south of Dayton.
See Wadaiko Gouken at Tsukicon
Opening Ceremony
Friday, October 16 at 12:00 PM
Theatre, Dayton Convention Center
Kyosai Opening
Saturday, October 17 at 4:00 PM
Levitt Pavilion, across the street from the Dayton Convention Center
