About
Makoto Taiko is a taiko drumming program that includes activities such as workshops, recitals, concerts, and community performances. Participants take part in events like the Makoto Taiko Winter Recital, Makoto Taiko Summer Showcase, Makoto Taiko Annual Concert, and themed concerts such as Kenny Endo's Concert and the 2025 annual concert “Hishō.” The program also offers a workshop with Taiyo Onoda and youth-focused events such as the Youth Taiko Gathering and Makoto Youth Performance at Nyugakushiki.
Makoto Taiko marked its 26th year of drumming in 2025 and is described as a 129-member Pasadena-based ensemble, noted as one of the largest in Southern California. The group performs at community events including the Pasadena Out of the Darkness Walk, Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest, City of San Marino Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year Festival at Huntington Library, ArtNight Pasadena, Nisei Week Taiko Gathering, and the GREEN LIFE FOOD MARKET, as well as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander events and Multicultural Day events at schools. Additional performances have included appearances at the Pasadena Out of the Darkness Walk taiko performance, Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest performance, Makoto Taiko Hisho Annual Concert, Resident Workshop at Nikkei Senior Gardens, ArtNight Pasadena performance, Makoto Taiko Performs at Nisei Week Taiko Gathering, Makoto Taiko Performs at the GREEN LIFE FOOD MARKET, Makoto Taiko Performs at The Suicide Prevention Walk, Makoto Taiko Performs at Nisei Week, Makoto Taiko Performs Our Promise Launch at JANM, Makoto Taiko Performs at the Altadena Library, and the Huntington Library Chinese New Year Festival performance with Wushu Tai Chi.
Makoto Taiko’s mission statement says it strives to connect and empower people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of taiko with intention and sincerity. The literal translation of “makoto” is described as “pure drum sound,” and it is also interpreted as a state in which a person’s actions are fully aligned with their thoughts and ideals. Makoto is described as a discipline requiring sincerity, honesty, altruism, and integrity, and each performer is described as striving to elevate their own spirituality along with that of each person in attendance by drumming with a sense of “Makoto.” Makoto Taiko’s 2025 annual concert theme “Hishō” (meaning “flight” or “soaring”) is described as celebrating energy, movement, and the spirit of taiko. Makoto Taiko invites people to support its mission through donations and sponsorships.
Last updated July 31, 2026.
Makoto Taiko marked its 26th year of drumming in 2025 and is described as a 129-member Pasadena-based ensemble, noted as one of the largest in Southern California. The group performs at community events including the Pasadena Out of the Darkness Walk, Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest, City of San Marino Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year Festival at Huntington Library, ArtNight Pasadena, Nisei Week Taiko Gathering, and the GREEN LIFE FOOD MARKET, as well as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander events and Multicultural Day events at schools. Additional performances have included appearances at the Pasadena Out of the Darkness Walk taiko performance, Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest performance, Makoto Taiko Hisho Annual Concert, Resident Workshop at Nikkei Senior Gardens, ArtNight Pasadena performance, Makoto Taiko Performs at Nisei Week Taiko Gathering, Makoto Taiko Performs at the GREEN LIFE FOOD MARKET, Makoto Taiko Performs at The Suicide Prevention Walk, Makoto Taiko Performs at Nisei Week, Makoto Taiko Performs Our Promise Launch at JANM, Makoto Taiko Performs at the Altadena Library, and the Huntington Library Chinese New Year Festival performance with Wushu Tai Chi.
Makoto Taiko’s mission statement says it strives to connect and empower people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of taiko with intention and sincerity. The literal translation of “makoto” is described as “pure drum sound,” and it is also interpreted as a state in which a person’s actions are fully aligned with their thoughts and ideals. Makoto is described as a discipline requiring sincerity, honesty, altruism, and integrity, and each performer is described as striving to elevate their own spirituality along with that of each person in attendance by drumming with a sense of “Makoto.” Makoto Taiko’s 2025 annual concert theme “Hishō” (meaning “flight” or “soaring”) is described as celebrating energy, movement, and the spirit of taiko. Makoto Taiko invites people to support its mission through donations and sponsorships.
Last updated July 31, 2026.
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