San Jose Taiko (SJT) was formed in 1973. When it started it was the third taiko group in North America. The first members were Asian Americans looking for a way to express themselves. The instrument they felt could help them best express who they were was the Japanese drum, known as taiko.

The group started in San Jose Japantown at the gym of the Buddhist Church as a fun way to get kids involved in church activities. Since 1973 the group has grown to a professional company that travels the United States and the world playing for audiences young and old. The company's rehearsal studio is a historic building called Okida Hall which was built around 1915. When walking around San Jose Japantown on evenings one can sometimes hear the thunderous sounds of the taiko as the company rehearses for an upcoming performance. In many ways SJT is the heartbeat of San Jose Japantown.

The company performs in San Jose at local festivals and other events in the area. One of the company's favorite types of outdoor performances are the Japanese summer festivals, known as obon. (for more information on obons click here)

A big part of practicing for the company is for performing concerts around the United States and around the world. SJT travels all over the country and the world up to 3 months out of the year to share the art form of taiko with audiences young and old.

The San Jose Taiko performers also teach classes to kids and adults. There are a lot of people who see San Jose Taiko and wonder what it feels like to strike the drum. For adults and kids this is a great way to learn about taiko and have some fun too.