You know Japan through anime — now discover it through music. We share Japanese culture and connect people through performance.

Dublin Taiko Group is the largest K–12-based Taiko organization in North America, with over 120 student performers from grades 6 through 12. What began as a one-year residency program in 2003 has grown into a vibrant, long-standing cultural and musical initiative in the Dublin community. The group's origins trace back to the legendary Taiko artist Eitetsu Hayashi, who led a residency at Davis Middle School thanks to a grant from the Dublin Arts Council. Under the direction of Ms. Susann Blair, 20 students and their teacher trained under Hayashi, marking the beginning of a deep-rooted Taiko tradition in Dublin. After the residency ended, Ms. Blair continued teaching Taiko, leading to the formation of the Dublin Taiko Group. Taiko’s legacy in Dublin has historical ties to Ondekoza and Kodo, the pioneering Taiko groups from Japan, where Eitetsu Hayashi once performed before becoming the world’s first solo Taiko performer. Today, Dublin Taiko Group includes four levels of performers: Beginners – first-year students learning the basics of Taiko Veterans – students with at least one year of experience DTG JV – dedicated students preparing for the main group DTG – the primary performance ensemble DTG students perform throughout the year at various cultural events and festivals. Alumni have gone on to perform in university Taiko groups across the U.S., continuing the tradition. Mission: To develop student performers with a passion for the artistry of Taiko and to promote cultural diversity and understanding through music in the community.

The Columbus Koto Ensemble has been entertaining and educating audiences throughout Columbus and central Ohio since 2014. With their broad musical background, the Columbus Koto Ensemble highlights the culture of Japan and the diversity and versatility of the koto, which is similar to a Western harp or dulcimer. Their repertoire includes a wide range of music including traditional works, mesmerizing modern compositions, and innovative cover songs of rock, pop, and anime favorites. They have played for numerous events over the years including multiple years of The Columbus Asian Festival, Antioch and Otterbein colleges, Wittenburg University, Ohio Northern University, the Cincinnati Opera, Dawes Arboretum, Ohayocon, Midoricon, Ohio State University’s Japan Student Organization Spring Festival, Lakeside Chautauqua, workshops in partnership with JASCO, and many others. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the group pursuing other ways of reaching audiences, primarily Facebook livestreams in partnership with Boxland Media, funded by a generous grant from the GCAC. Post-pandemic the ensemble has continued that online presence and are active on social media and Youtube. In 2023 Columbus Koto Ensemble incorporated as a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization with a mission of education, and can now accept donations to help support those efforts! The ensemble puts on workshops, fundraisers, performances and other events to help fund equipment, music, and general operating costs.

Awa Odori Ohio is a traditional Japanese festival dance group. The group was formed in 2024 here in Columbus Ohio. Awa Odori is a version of Bon Odori and it is originally from Tokushima, Japan. The dance style is over 400 years old. Awa Odori is one of the most popular summer festivals, and is performed all over the country.