Taiko is the Japanese word for “big drum”. Rooted in the farming and fishing communities of rural Japan, the drums were long used to appease the gods, to summon rain and to accompany soldiers into battle. The drum has found its way into both Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies. In the past 40 years taiko has been adopted by North Americans and is rapidly gaining popularity as a performance art that combines driving rhythms with breathtaking physicality.

Tokidoki was born over ten years ago out of a burgeoning West Coast taiko scene. Tokidoki is the rhythmic Japanese word for “sometimes” and suggests the Vancouver group’s light-hearted and fun approach to taiko. The ensemble’s repertoire focuses on arrangements of pieces brought back from Japan, where several members have studied with Japanese taiko groups.

Since 1993, Tokidoki Taiko has performed at many events and venues including the University of BC Asian Centre, the Plaza of Nations, the Norman Rothstein Theatre, and Caribbean Days Festival.

In addition, the group has presented numerous workshops and school shows for several school districts throughout the Lower Mainland.