Takuya Taniguchi, a virtuoso of the Taiko, will make his highly anticipated UK debut at Kings Place on  23 May. Renowned for his mastery of the Taiko,Takuya’s performance will be a profound sonic journey that blends powerful rhythms with evocative visual artistry.

Takuya’s journey with the Taiko began in childhood, joining the prestigious Tenryu Taiko ensemble while still in elementary school. By 1999, he was leading the group, and in 2002, they won the Special Prize at the Viennese World Youth Music Festival. His exceptional talent attracted the attention of Taiko legend Eitetsu Hayashi, who invited him to join FU-UN no KAI, Japan’s premier Taiko ensemble.
Since relocating to Munich in 2011, Takuya has performed in over 24 countries and 100 cities worldwide. As Europe’s only solo Taiko artist, he has collaborated with internationally acclaimed musicians, including jazz virtuoso Walter Lang and Frankfurt’s Kammerorchester.

A Sonic Landscape
In his UK debut, Takuya will explore the concept of a-hūṃ (阿吽), the “great breath” of the universe, through his original compositions and works by his mentor, Eitetsu Hayashi. The performance will create a dynamic soundscape, using the resonant force of the Taiko to evoke primal emotions, stirring deep, visceral connections to the heartbeat of the earth.
“The Taiko is not just an instrument,” says Takuya. “It is a work of art, resonating with something ancient and primal. Its sound speaks to the soul.”

A Fusion of Sound and Vision
Acclaimed artist JUMPEITAINAKA will bring the performance to life with his stunning visual works. Known for his evocative imagery that transforms abstract thoughts into vivid visual stories, JUMPEITAINAKA’s photography will enhance Takuya’s electrifying performance, offering a powerful, multi-sensory experience.

Event Details:
Website: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/contemporary/takuya-taniguchi-the-taikoist/
Takuya Taniguchi official website: https://taiko-ist-takuya.jp/en/
JUMPEITAINAKA official website https://jumpei-tainaka.com
Booking: https://shop.kingsplace.co.uk/31290/31291

Ticket: 10 to 40 pounds