Takuya Taniguchi is a true master of the Taiko (a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments). Deeply rooted in the vibrant Taiko culture of the Hokuriku region, his music is a powerful expression of this unique Japanese art form. Join Takuya for his highly anticipated UK debut at Kings Place.

By the time he was in elementary school, Takuya had already joined the celebrated Tenryu Taiko ensemble, composing and performing his own pieces. By 1999, he was leading the group, and in 2002, they won the special prize at Viennese World Youth Music Festival.

His virtuosity caught the eye of Taiko legend Eitetsu Hayashi, who invited him to join FU-UN no KAI, one of Japan’s premier ensembles. Touring Japan with the group solidified Takuya’s status as one of the finest Taiko drummers of his generation.

Since relocating to Munich in 2011, Takuya has brought his electrifying performances to over 24 countries and 100 cities worldwide. As Europe’s only solo Taiko artist, he has collaborated with globally renowned musicians, including jazz virtuoso Walter Lang and Frankfurt’s Kammerorchester.

In his electrifying taiko performance, Takuya Taniguchi draws inspiration from the profound concept of a-hūṃ (阿吽), symbolising the “great breath” of the universe. Taniguchi masterfully intertwines his original compositions with works by his mentor, Eitetsu Hayashi, forging a powerful musical landscape. The resonating force of the taiko, with its primal, heartbeat-like rhythms, stirs the soul and awakens deep, visceral emotions.

Acclaimed international photographer JUMPEITAINAKA  joins Takuya to bring the performance to life with his stunning visual artistry. Tainaka’s evocative photographs dive into the inner world of human emotion, transforming the abstract landscapes of the mind into vivid visual stories that amplify the raw, intense energy of the performance

Join Takuya for his highly anticipated UK debut at Kings Place, where he will immerse you in a profound sonic journey that stirs deep emotions and awe, resonating with the soul and earth of his birthplace, Fukui.

This event will last for approximately 80 minutes, with no interval.

“The Taiko is not merely an instrument; it is a work of art, crafted with elegance and beauty in its form, resonating with a sound that echoes with unmatched grace. The sound of the Taiko carries tones that cannot be captured by chords or fully grasped by the ear. Its deep, powerful resonance is akin to the heartbeat itself, stirring emotion in those who hear it, even for the first time. This sound is not only defined by its volume and vibrations, but by its connection to something primal—an animated sound that has existed since the prehistory period, rooted in the natural world.” Takuya Taniguchi

“Takuya’s performances blend powerful, exhilarating rhythms with an array of percussive effects, punctuated by his energetic shouts, creating an unforgettable experience for all.” West One Music Group