Taiko is the Japanese word for drums of any origin. In North America, the term has evolved to refer to the art form of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming) which combines drumming with choreography and storytelling.
Yurika Chiba is a seasoned taiko performer, composer, choreographer, and instructor who returned to Toronto in 2026 after 20 years in artistic leadership with San Jose Taiko, one of North America’s most respected taiko organizations.
She offers educational presentations, demonstration lectures, participatory workshops, performances, team-building programs, private lessons, and community-based taiko experiences for learners and audiences of all ages.
Yurika offers taiko programs that can be adapted for different ages, group sizes, experience levels, and learning goals. Programs may include live performance, cultural and historical context, audience participation, creative exploration and hands-on workshop formats.
Education taiko presentations, demonstration lectures, and participatory programs for elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary audiences.
Interactive taiko workshops for team building, leadership, communication, wellness, retreats, and cultural programming.
Live taiko performance and educational outreach for festivals, libraries, museums, conferences, and community gatherings.
Private, semi-private, and group taiko lessons for beginners, experienced players, and curious learners.