Top

Profile

Upcoming Performances

Workshops and Classes

Touring History

Media and Press

Contact Information

日本語

Wadaiko TOKARA


B I O G R A P H Y

Award-winning Taiko soloist Art Lee has brought his virtuosity,
expansive interpretations, and creative repertoire choices to
diverse global audiences.

Art Lee is the first and only non-Japanese person to be
crowned Solo Grand Champion of the world's most
prestigious taiko competition in Tokyo.

In 1994, Art Lee was scouted by world famous taiko group, Za
Ondekoza to join their year-long Japan Tour sponsored by Japan
Arts. During this tour, Art made his international debut in several
theaters including Suntory Hall, Dramacity, and finally returning to
the U.S. for the tours last concert in New York at Carnegie Hall.
Soon after, Art became a part-time instructor with Tamaribuchi's
group, the Sacramento Taiko Dan until his graduation from
university in 1998. He then moved to Japan in the summer of 1998
and became a student of Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi.

STUDY AND GROUPS
Art began in 1993 as a student of Master Tiffany Tamaribuchi, who
was a prodigy of Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka. With permission from
Master Tamaribuchi, Art moved to Japan in 1998 and became a
student of Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi, who is the father of
modern taiko drumming. In addition to becoming a top performer
in the Sacramento Taiko Dan, Art has also performed extensively
with Za Ondekoza and Daihachi Oguchi's elite performance group
- Osuwa Daiko Ashura Gumi. In 2003, Art created his own
professional taiko group, Wadaiko Ensemble Tokara. In 2004, Tokara
debuted during a three month international tour throughout
North America and Asia.

In 2001, Art Lee received international acclaim for
becoming the first person in the world to be awarded
an artist visa from the Japanese government to teach
Taiko and lead the life of a professional Taiko artist in
Japan.

AS A FACILITATOR
Although Art Lee is an acclaimed Taiko Artist, he is also widely known as one of the top taiko facilitators in the taiko world.
Having lived in Japan for more than 20 years, as well as extended residencies in Europe, Australia and North America, Art Lee has continued in both instruction and collaboration of many projects aimed at higher levels of learning wadaiko.
Ongoing projects include:

  • INADANI Taiko Drumming Course: Since 2006
  • Saiwai Shimoina Wadaiko Festival: Since 2006
  • Tokara Wadaiko Bootcamp: Since 2007
  • Saiwai Fringe Festival: Since 2008
  • Taiko CrossRoads: Since 2016
  • Spice Rack Project: Since 2020


SPECIAL AWARD AND HIGHLIGHTS
Art Lee has become one of the most highly regarded taiko artists
throughout the world of Japanese performing arts. Special awards
and highlights to date include:

  • Included in one of the national campaigns for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - 2019, 2020
  • 25th Anniversary World Tour: Gouki Kadan - 2018
  • 20th Anniversary World Tour: Kazakoshi - 2013
  • All Japan Taiko All-Stars Showcase: Tokyo - 2012, 2011, 2009, 2006
  • Grand Champion - Tokyo International Taiko Competition. 2005
  • Outstanding Skill Award - Kumamoto Odaiko Competition. 2002
  • Outstanding Skill Award - Fuji Taiko Competition. 2002
  • Top Three Soloist Award - All Japan Odaiko Contest. 2000, 2002




 @ 2024 by TOKARA Japan. All Right Reserved