It All Starts Here
Sharing Japanese-style drumming with audiences in Central Texas since 1996
Origin of Taiko
Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi
Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi is credited with creating kumi-daiko, the ensemble style of taiko drumming, in 1951. After founding Osuwa Daiko, he played a key role in spreading modern taiko across Japan and the U.S.
A former jazz drummer, Oguchi reinterpreted ancient rhythms and created new arrangements for a group of drummers. His groundbreaking idea came when he was asked to perform an old taiko score from the Osuwa Shrine. The simple rhythm led him to wonder why taiko wasn’t played collectively, inspiring him to form an ensemble, with each drummer playing a different taiko, much like a Western drum set.
Oguchi’s innovation transformed taiko into a dramatic performance, bringing it from traditional festivals to concert halls. His efforts sparked a global taiko boom, with Osuwa Daiko and other groups playing a major role in its rise, including the historic 1964 Tokyo Olympics performance.
Oguchi helped establish taiko groups worldwide, including the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, and led the iconic taiko performance at the 1998 Nagano Olympics closing ceremony. He once said, “Your heart is a taiko… It’s instinct to be drawn to taiko drumming.”
Daihachi Oguchi passed away in 2008 at 84, continuing to teach and perform until his final days.
Enter the Bat City
The History of Austin Taiko
Since 1996, Austin Taiko has been sharing the dynamic art of Japanese-style drumming with audiences across Central Texas. Founded by Martha Durham-Boyko and Bob Boyko, both former performers with Fushicho Daiko in Phoenix, Arizona, the group has built a reputation for its powerful performances and cultural dedication. Through the years, Austin Taiko has seamlessly blended the intensity of traditional Japanese rhythms with a modern touch, captivating audiences of all ages.
In 2019, after 13 years of performing with the group, Mary “Sky” Skiles stepped into the role of director, bringing fresh energy and leadership. Under her guidance, Austin Taiko expanded its reach, performing at multicultural festivals, educational programs, and a wide range of community, corporate, and private events, while remaining a vital part of the local artistic and cultural scene.
In 2025, Kevin Luo took on the directorship of Austin Taiko, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation. With a vision to rebrand and reform the group, Kevin collaborated with Much Love Creative to develop a fresh website and captivating new designs, making Austin Taiko’s love for Japanese culture shine not only through its powerful sounds but also its striking visuals.
Martha Durham-Boyko & Bob Boyko
Founders 1996 - 2019
Mary "Sky" Skiles
Director 2019 - 2024
Kevin Luo
Director 2025 - present
Harmonizing Sound and Visuals
2025 New Era Visual Concept
This graphic art, created by ah.Boga from Much Love Creative, is a reimagined version of one of his earlier designs, now perfectly aligned with the Austin Taiko New Era theme. We’re excited to share this fresh visual representation and look forward to more innovative designs and artwork from Much Love Creative as we continue to bring a new vibe to this timeless tradition.
The Oni mask and Taiko come together in this graphic as a powerful symbol of Japanese tradition, especially during the New Year ritual. In Japanese culture, the Oni mask is often worn by performers to symbolize the casting out of evil spirits. During the New Year celebrations, the Oni, a fierce and protective creature from folklore, is seen as a force that drives away negative energy and ushers in good fortune. The mask’s intimidating features—sharp horns, fierce eyes, and bared teeth—are used to scare away evil, making way for a fresh start in the coming year.
Taiko, the traditional Japanese drumming, plays a vital role in these rituals. The deep, resonant beats of the drum are believed to be a bridge between the human world and the divine. In many New Year ceremonies, the sound of Taiko is used to call upon the gods and invite their blessings, with each powerful strike of the drum echoing like the voice of the gods themselves. The drums’ thunderous rhythms are thought to purify the air and cleanse the spirit, reinforcing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
Together, the Oni mask and Taiko in this artwork evoke the spirit of New Year’s rituals, where the mask’s power to drive out evil and the drum’s sacred sound combine to protect and renew. It’s a celebration of both the fierce and protective qualities of the Oni and the divine energy of Taiko, a visual and auditory fusion that symbolizes renewal, protection, and a harmonious connection to the gods as the new year begins.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 Events
Feel the power of Austin Taiko! Experience the vibrant energy of Japanese drumming that unites tradition and dynamic performance in an unforgettable show.