Yamatai is Cornell University’s taiko drumming team, founded in 2006 with the support of Masataka Kobayashi-sensei of the professional taiko group, Bonten. Since then, we’ve built a name for ourselves with high-energy performances that combine traditional and contemporary pieces, powerful works by Bonten, and original songs written by our own members. We’re passionate about sharing the art of taiko with new audiences and are always looking for fresh ways to grow as performers and as a group. Whether we're performing on campus or at national events, we aim to celebrate taiko’s roots while making it our own.
We are honored to host the East Coast Taiko Conference (ECTC) in February 2026! ECTC is a weekend-long gathering that brings together taiko players, artists, and educators from across the U.S. for a weekend of workshops, powerful performances, and community-focused panels. This year’s conference will focus on diversity within the taiko community, highlighting how taiko has become a space for cultural expression, identity, and inclusion. Participants will have the chance to learn from a wide range of instructors and try new styles of playing, instruments, and techniques.
Your donation helps make ECTC 2026 possible by covering essential costs like transporting drums, bringing in workshop leaders, booking venues, and keeping the event accessible for our community. Every contribution is greatly appreciated!
If you have any questions, please email the team at: ectc2026@gmail.com.
