Our Taiko Style
Osuwa Daiko:
Osuwa Daiko (御諏訪太鼓) is a Japanese percussion group credited as the earliest groups to develop and perform the ensemble-style of taiko called kumi-daiko. Formed in Okaya, Japan in 1951 and founded by Daihachi Oguchi, Osuwa Daiko created a style of performance independent from performance during festivals, theatrical performance, and religious ceremonies, and transformed them into an ensemble performance. Contemporary taiko performance in Japan and in the rest of the world is widely based on the practices of Osuwa Daiko. (from Wikipedia)
BIWANKO takes lessons from Master Hiro Kurashima, who was certified by the late Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi and we are a member of the New York Suwa Taiko Association.
Classes Offered
Beginner's Trial Session:
2019 course dates : 10/13,10/20,10/27,11/3,11/10,11/17,12/1,1/12 (8 lessons per session)
Performance : 12/1 (Biwanko Yearend Party) TBA (Senior home visit)
Lesson time : 9:00~9:30 am (lesson time may change)
Group Lesson :
Beginner lessons are generally 45 minutes long, 3 times a month.
Intermediate and advance lessons are generally 1~2 hours long, 3 times a month.
Adult Class :
Adult Beginner class dates: Same as Trial Session
Registration and Enrollment :
Registration and enrollment are done on a first come, first serve basis.
In the event that no lesson slots are available, students are added to the waiting list.
2019 Open House : October 6th (Sun) 10:00~12:00
Our Mission
Mission of BIWANKO is…
to educate and consecrate art of TAIKO by inheriting a formal OSUWA DAIKO style; the beauty of the culture and great music of a traditional Japanese instrument,
to create a new category of cultural performances which enable the remarkable artist in each individual, and
to enable people to discover and experience to be inspirited.
About Us
BIWANKO is a non profit organization for Japanese Traditional Drumming Troop.
Biwanko was formed in fall of 2007, in Bergen County, New Jersey, by a group of Japanese families aiming to pass Japanese culture and tradition onto their children. As the group grew, Biwanko started performing to the public. The performers range from the ages of 6 to 18 years old, and we offer taiko performances and workshops to local community events, schools and institutions. Biwanko also has performed at National events such as Washington D.C. Sakura Matsuri and Special Olympics 2014 USA Game.