From Festival to Romance: DRUM TAO Kyoto’s Two-Faced Show
- 1. Born in Kyoto: Inside the Dedicated Theater for DRUM TAO’s Japanese Drum Performance
- 2. Part 1 “HIBIKI” and Part 2 “YUME”: Two Clearly Defined Experiences
- 3. The “Ma” and Depth Born from Kyoto’s Culture
- 4. Expressing Kyoto Through Costumes: The Answer is “Chic Gold”
- 5. Oiran Costumes: “More Than Authentic”
- 6. “Putting on the Costume Flips a Switch”
- 7. A Dedicated Theater: “A Place to Give Our Maximum Performance”
- 8. From Kyoto to the World—and to Oita
- 9. Experience at Expo and Message to Kansai
- 10. Summary: The Evolution of DRUM TAO in Kyoto
- 11. □ The Excitement of Expo Performance
- 12. DRUM TAO KYOTO Food & Drink Menu
- 13. DRUM TAO Goods
Born in Kyoto: Inside the Dedicated Theater for DRUM TAO’s Japanese Drum Performance
“DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO” has opened in Kyoto.
DRUM TAO, a Japanese taiko performance group that has captivated over 10 million people across 31 countries, has finally opened a permanent theater in Kyoto, Japan.
This time, along with the performance, we covered a talk session featuring President Ikuo Fujitaka and costume designer Junko Koshino.
We also had the opportunity to interview them.
In the interview, we asked about “new expressions that are only possible in Kyoto.”
In the latter half of the article, we will also introduce the food and terrace available at the Kyoto theater.
Performance report here
Part 1 “HIBIKI” and Part 2 “YUME”: Two Clearly Defined Experiences
This performance is clearly divided into two distinct concepts.
■ Part 1 “HIBIKI” = A Participatory Experience for Families
Tap the image twice to play
President Fujitaka spoke about Kyoto’s tourist demographics:
“Among international visitors to Kyoto, many Western tourists come to enjoy Japanese culture. And many of them travel as families.”
He continued:
“So we made the earlier show like a festival that families can enjoy together, and even allowed them to come on stage and experience taiko themselves.”
In other words, “HIBIKI” is designed to transform the audience from spectators into participants.
It’s not just a performance—it’s structured as an unforgettable experience.
■ Part 2 “YUME” = An Emotional, Adult Experience
The evening performance shifts to a more emotional tone.
“At 9 PM, we imagine couples sharing emotional moments, even shedding tears together—it’s like creating a perfect date night.”
Additionally:
“There are surprisingly many ballads.”
Though both are DRUM TAO performances, the target audience and emotional tone are completely different.
The “Ma” and Depth Born from Kyoto’s Culture
Regarding the challenges of creating this production, President Fujitaka said:
“It was very difficult. It’s not about making things flashier like a festival.”
About Kyoto’s culture:
“There is a sense of time-based aesthetics—valuing silence and space.”
As a result:
“We created a mysterious sense of depth, where you wonder where the sound is coming from.”
This is not just about producing sound, but about making the audience feel it.
It represents a new form of TAO shaped by Kyoto’s unique cultural essence.
Expressing Kyoto Through Costumes: The Answer is “Chic Gold”
Costume designer Junko Koshino describes Kyoto as:
“A place with history, solemnity, and refined elegance.”
Expressing that image in color:
“If it’s luxurious and solemn, it’s gold—but not flashy gold, rather a chic gold.”
She also added:
“The costumes are original pieces made with Nishijin textiles.”
These costumes embody texture, elegance, and depth suitable for Kyoto.
They are not just outfits, but an integral part of the performance.
Oiran Costumes: “More Than Authentic”
There is also a strong commitment to the oiran costumes.
“I think they are more luxurious than real oiran.”
Additionally:
“An oiran is the ultimate princess. So we must express that through costume.”
Even down to the details:
“We paid attention to the geta footwear as well.”
The design is fully focused on visual impact and captivating the audience.
“Putting on the Costume Flips a Switch”
One memorable quote from the interview:
“When we put on the costumes, a switch flips.”
In reality:
“A member who was just being scolded backstage suddenly transforms into a seductive performer the moment they step on stage.”
Supporting this transformation is an intense amount of practice.
“By 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning, you can already hear the drums.”
This daily routine creates the extraordinary moments on stage.
A Dedicated Theater: “A Place to Give Our Maximum Performance”
For DRUM TAO, which has performed worldwide, having a dedicated theater is special.
“As artists, there is no greater joy than having our own theater.”
The reason:
“It’s a place where we can deliver our maximum performance.”
Also:
“We can let audiences hear the raw sound of the drums.”
Unlike large halls, the close distance creates a unique immersive experience.
From Kyoto to the World—and to Oita
The theater also has a clear vision:
“We want people from around the world visiting Kyoto to experience Japanese culture and new culture through DRUM TAO.”
And further:
“We hope they’ll want to see us in Oita as well.”
Kyoto serves as the gateway to expand to other locations in Japan.
Experience at Expo and Message to Kansai
DRUM TAO also performed at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
“It was amazing to see people from all over the world enjoying the Expo.”
Message to Kansai residents:
“The DRUM TAO you saw at the Expo can now be seen just 10 minutes away by train.”
“We’re happy to finally have the chance to perform for audiences every day.”
Summary: The Evolution of DRUM TAO in Kyoto
What we saw through this coverage:
・Participatory audience design
・Kyoto-inspired aesthetics
・Deepened expression through costumes
・A theater focused on raw sound
All combined into a new stage.
In Kyoto, DRUM TAO continues to evolve.
Highlights of Part 1 “HIBIKI” (7 PM)
- Interactive live show with audience participation
- Powerful vibrations that resonate through your body
- Fun for all ages
- Premium seats include happi coat & early entry perks
Highlights of Part 2 “YUME” (9 PM)
- 幻想的なナイトショー with Japanese instruments and visuals
- Beautiful contrast of light and sound
- Immersive experience perfect for Kyoto nights
- Lingering afterglow for adults
□ The Excitement of Expo Performance
In May 2025, DRUM TAO appeared on a special stage at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
With powerful taiko and stage production fitting the Expo theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” they captivated visitors from around the world.
Audience reactions included: “It resonated to my heart” and “A futuristic performance beyond Japanese tradition.”
My Impression
It was my first time seeing DRUM TAO, and the performance was incredibly cool!
The video production was also very well crafted and enhanced the performers beautifully.
The sounds of shinobue, shamisen, and koto were also impressive.
Everything was amazing—I became a fan.
DRUM TAO KYOTO Food & Drink Menu
Temari sushi from Kyoto was designed to be eaten in one bite, even by maiko.
Its colorful and cute appearance matches TAO’s entertainment spirit.
Price: 2000 yen
Draft beer: 800 yen
Wine: 1200 yen
Fried chicken and fries: 1200 yen
You can enjoy food on the terrace before or after the show.
It offers a view of Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower.
DRUM TAO Goods
Original theater goods such as T-shirts, fans, badges, and noren curtains are available.
Theme park expert in Universal Studios Japan and Expo 2025 Osaka. CEO of Happyell Inc. and Editor-in-Chief of Theme Park Media Happyell. Visiting USJ for 25+ years, Crystal Rank member, sharing guides and crowd forecasts.