DOKON DAIKO
Taiko Drumming based on tradition, alive with spirit and energy
a little about us
our beginnings
Dokon Daiko began in Burlington, Ontario, following two workshops held in the summer of 1995 by Kiyoshi Nagata. Members of a local karate club had been exploring Japanese culture and traditional arts beyond the dojo, and his workshops sparked an interest in taiko drumming. Following the workshops, a core group of members continued learning, and Dokon Daiko was formed.
our evolution
Although our roots are in the martial arts community, Dokon Daiko has evolved into an independent musical group. Today, our members come together through a shared passion for taiko, Japanese musical traditions, and making music together, regardless of whether they have a martial arts background.
our music and community
Our group performs traditional Japanese taiko pieces alongside contemporary compositions, combining powerful rhythms, focused movement, and instruments such as the taiko drum and yokobue flute.
Kiyoshi Nagata played an important role in our early years, sharing his knowledge of taiko and helping us develop as a group. Having apprenticed with Kodo in Japan, he chose to bring his experience back to Canada, helping grow the art of taiko and share it within our own communities. His influence helped set us on our musical journey.
Our name, 努魂太鼓, reflects the effort, spirit, and energy we bring to our music. Today, Dokon Daiko shares the excitement of Japanese taiko drumming at festivals, cultural celebrations, martial arts events, and community gatherings throughout Southern Ontario.
upcoming events
Experience Dokon Daiko live at upcoming festivals and community events.
- Time: August 8th, 2026 at 1:00 PM
- Location: 45 Hempstead Drive, Hamilton, ON
- Organizer Website: CJCC Hamilton
- Time: October 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Location: 45 Hempstead Drive, Hamilton, ON
- Limited Spaces
watch us perform
There are many videos of us performing over the years.