UTAGE LIVE SHOW: Taiko, Shamisen & Stunning Visuals★

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Hello! I’m David from the U.S.A., and I’ve been living in Japan for over 20 years with my Japanese wife. I work as an instructor at a technical college, and I love how clean and safe Japan is. But what really impresses me is its culture and traditions— it’s so rich and deep that even after two decades, there’s still so much to learn!

I stumbled upon a Japanese taiko drum show while browsing online for a new experience. The artists, dressed a bit like samurais, were energetically pounding massive taiko drums, accompanied by traditional Japanese bamboo flutes—and even violins! I only watched a few seconds of the video before I knew I had to see it live. I bought the tickets right away— it’s going to be a fun night out with my wife♪

TEMPO HARBOR THEATER near Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium

TEMPO HARBOR THEATER is just a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro’s Osakako Station, the closest stop to Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium and Tempozan Harbor Village on Osaka Bay. As you head toward the aquarium, you’ll see a unique inverted-cone-shaped building behind it, designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The entrance might take a minute to find, but once you do, take the escalator up to the 4th floor and you’re there!

We arrived at TEMPO HARBOR THEATER! At the reception, we were greeted by a well-built international staff member dressed in traditional Japanese attire. It’s always comforting to have someone who can speak multiple languages.

Thunderous Taiko Drums Kick Off the Show

What surprised me first as I walked into the theater was how close we were to the stage! The seats are arranged in a stadium-like style, giving everyone a clear, unobstructed view. I love little thoughtful touches like this. Since it’s open seating, we snagged a couple of seats right at the front.

We watched crowds filing into the theater. The audience was overwhelmingly international— Asians, Europeans, Americans, and probably more. There were couples and families, all from different corners of the world. My wife might have been the only Japanese person there!

It was almost show time and I could feel the excitement buzzing through the theater—

Then it happened: a loud BOOM! A single taiko strike echoed through the hall, silencing everyone and shifting the atmosphere. All eyes were on the stage. The show had just begun.

The rapid drumbeat of an enormous taiko drum—I’d never seen anything like it—rolled over the theater like the huge waves of the ocean. I was mesmerized by the performers’ powerful and precise handling of the bachi sticks as the shamisen, shakuhachi, and violins joined in on stage! A new type of performance, blending old and new, was unfolding right before my eyes!

Five performers bounced across the stage, striking drums, playing strings, and blowing flutes— the energy was intense and their rapid movements were almost impossible to follow!

My image of Japanese taiko as solemn and quiet was completely overturned. This was more than traditional art; it was a live, full-body experience that made your heart race☆

Immersive Music & Audience Participation

I didn’t know the songs they were playing, but it didn’t matter—the sound was pleasing to my ears. The rhythm was something else—before I knew it, the entire audience was completely swept up in it! We all instinctively moved to the beat and felt the music as one.

The intricate notes of the shinobue and shakuhachi intertwined beautifully with the powerful beats of the taiko. But what stood out the most was the shamisen—rock ‘n’ roll style! It looked as if he was playing a bass guitar, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. As I listened, it even started to sound like a bass guitar(@_@.

And then there was the violin. Forget the usual elegance you expect—its fiercely intense resonance shook the audience to the core.
There was no narration, yet the show unfolded like a story, and we were all completely drawn into it.

Then, the performers left the stage and began playing right next to the audience! The sound reverberated all around me, and the heat of the stage washed over me—it was the perfect example of music you can feel.

Finally, audience was invited on the stage to pound the taiko with bachi drumsticks. I hesitated, but looking back, I wish I had joined in! Everyone who went up was beaming, having a time of their lives♪

The performers weren’t just skilled musicians—they were really good at drawing the entire audience into the experience. We truly felt like we were part of the show, and that’s the real magic of a live performance. The video was impressive, but the stage was on a whole different level, bursting with energy and power.
One hour, non-stop, sharing the air and spirit of the performers—it was an intense, unforgettable time that flew by.

Japanese Tradition Reimagined by World’s Leading Artists

My heart was still racing after the show ended. Outside the venue, the performers lined up to greet the audience. With beads of sweat on their faces, their expressions showed their dedication to bringing joy to the audience—and that’s exactly how they gave such a moving performance. I was truly impressed.
They were all friendly, and we even snapped a photo together☆ I’ll treasure this picture as a special memory.

The show was presented by TRAinnovation, a performance group dedicated to “updating” Japanese tradition.
In 2023, they were selected from over 2,000 groups as the winner of a global competition and music festival for indie bands. I’m beyond trilled to have experienced such an amazing show of traditional Japanese instruments in Osaka, delivered by world-class artists!

After the show, we got the chance to talk with two members of TRAinnovation. Kazuyoshi Horie is a producer specializing in traditional Japanese instruments, and Satoshi Nakatsuka is a passionate violinist.
“Japanese culture is often seen as rigid, full of protocols and rituals—so much so that even some Japanese shy away from it. But we want our audience to enjoy it through our performance. If it sparks even a little interest, that makes me happy.”
After years of working in the world of Japanese instruments, he is determined not just to preserve tradition, but to share its brilliance with as many people as possible. His passion was evident in every beat, every note.
“Nationality and language don’t matter. Showing the unique charm of Japanese instruments to the world— that’s our mission,” he added.
I couldn’t help but nod along, completely inspired. Needless to say, I became a fan on the spot.

When you travel, you want to experience the culture and tradition of the place you’re visiting. UTAGE LIVE SHOW offers a perfect opportunity to feel and experience the Japanese culture firsthand.
I’m already thinking about bringing my students with me next time— I imagine it would be an unforgettable experience for them during their stay in Japan.

On the way home, I recounted my conversation with Horie to my wife, who also loved the show. It was an amazing night, with the music lingering in our minds long after the performance ended♪

TEMPO HARBOR THEATER offers other immersive taiko drumming experiences too. I highly recommend checking them out!