Founder of Las Vegas studio explains history, tradition behind Taiko drumming

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — When you hear the beat of the Taiko drum, you can hear the sound of teamwork and synchronization, all making for a high-energy performance while telling a unique story.

Gene Sugano from Korabo Taiko knows the tradition and history behind the Japanese art form.

“Taiko is a Japanese art form, the word itself means drum, which dates back thousands of years to Chinese culture. Then the Japanese adapted it to their own culture,” Sugano said. “Before it was primarily used as a tool for religious ceremonies and communication in war.  It wasn’t until really probably until the 40s and 50s is when it was developed into a performance art.”

Sugano spearheads Korabo Taiko, a studio located off Desert Inn Road and Valley View Boulevard.

“I’m third-generation Japanese and growing up I didn’t know what that meant but essentially that means my grandparents immigrated from Japan and they moved to America for a better life,” Sugano explained. “As I got older, studied martial arts, I knew that I needed to be connected in some way to the Japanese culture, that’s when it became more important for me. When I moved to Las Vegas the popularity of just Japanese culture and I know every culture as well has grown.”

All age groups are welcome at the studio, the youngest member Elias Gonzalez, is only 10 years old and has already learned so much.

“What I learned is the dynamics of songs like for example, omiyage is one of our songs,” Elias Gonzalez said. ” I feel like it’s important to my life. Mostly all the songs we play are very fun, yes they’re tiring but overall they are fun. Now it’s a bit hard but still a bit easier since I’m more used to it. I’ve been playing for at least a year and a half now.”

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