Students connect with Japanese culture through taiko drumming

World-renowned Japanese taiko drummer Takumi Kato and his family visited the schools as part of their ongoing “Peace Concert” tour, which aims to spread a message of unity, connection and peace through music. The performances complemented the district’s second-grade unit on Japan, offering students an authentic, immersive learning experience.

The visit was coordinated by Streams Elementary second-grade teacher Aiko Bosbach, who has long sought to bring an authentic taiko drumming experience to her students.

“Ever since I took my position as 2nd grade teacher at Streams, I had been looking for an authentic taiko drumming performance troupe to come to our school during our Japan unit in social studies,” Mrs. Bosbach said. “I jumped on the opportunity when this fall a family friend from Japan (my family is from Osaka, Japan) let me know that Mr. Takumi Kato (and his family) were on an epic mission to perform at 1,000 venues in the United States – spreading the message of peace and their passion and joy for Taiko drumming to as many people as possible.”

Kato, who is from Gifu, Japan, is an acclaimed taiko drummer who has performed for Japanese prime ministers as well as the emperor and empress of Japan. He began his Peace Concert project after losing a family he knew in the Sept. 11 attacks. Since then, he and his three sons – Sogen, Ryuma and Yamato – have traveled by car to more than 40 states, including Alaska, sharing their music and message at hundreds of venues.

Upper St. Clair marked a milestone on that journey. Streams Elementary hosted Kato’s 650th performance, followed by Baker as the 651st and Eisenhower as the 652nd.

From the first beat of the drum, students were captivated.

“That was the best performance of my life,” was a common refrain among second graders across the three schools. Teachers noted that students sat in awe, mesmerized by the powerful rhythms and synchronized movements of the performers. As the program continued, students began moving naturally to the beat, fully immersed in the experience.

At Streams, students participated in a post-performance discussion, asking questions about how the drummers were able to play so quickly and remain perfectly in sync. Kato emphasized the importance of discipline, trust, breath and “connection of hearts” when working together toward something powerful.

One moment that resonated especially strongly with students was the Shi-shi-mai, or lion dance. During the piece, the two younger brothers portrayed a lion that moved throughout the audience, gently touching the heads of students and teachers – a traditional symbol of blessing and good luck. The youngest performer, who is the same age as many of the second graders, delighted the audience and underscored the family-centered nature of the performance.

“Students loved that this amazing performance was put on by a family – not a group of professionals, although the quality was second to none,” Mrs. Bosbach said. “The pure joy and awe as students watched the lion sweep around them in an elegant dance, stopping occasionally to bestow the 'touch' was priceless.”

The demonstration added meaningful depth to students’ study of Japan. In second grade, Upper St. Clair students explore Japanese culture, geography, history, arts, clothing, schools and traditions. Taiko drumming plays an important role in Japanese culture, reflecting values such as teamwork, discipline and respect.

At Streams Elementary, the experience was especially impactful as students recently built their own taiko drums in music class using recycled tires. Under the guidance of music teacher Steven Cosnek, students learn about taiko history, construction and sound as part of an interdisciplinary unit aligned with the district’s International Baccalaureate program, which emphasizes global awareness and cultural understanding.

Hearing an authentic taiko performance served as a powerful culmination to that learning.

“These types of performances are important to students because it turns learning about Japan from words on a page into a powerful, unforgettable live experience,” Mrs. Bosbach said. “When students hear the deep rhythms, see the drummers move together, and feel the vibrations of the drums, they are connecting with Japanese culture in a real and meaningful way. Taiko drumming helps students understand that culture is not just something you read about – it is something people live, feel and share.”

Families and community members interested in learning more about Kato’s mission can visit the family’s website at peacefulforest.org or follow @Peaceful__forest on Instagram.