The growing popularity of taiko drumming in the United States is leading to a new trend–steep increases in the sale of taikos in the United States, report the Japan Times
During the 2011 North American Taiko Conference at Stanford University, one company sold around 30 drums in just three days, with each going for about $1700.
Now the Asano Taiko Co is preparing to open its first shop in Los Angeles with the goal of spreading the popularity of taiko world-wide. “I want to establish (the Los Angeles shop) as a springboard for spreading Japanese taiko culture around the world,” said Katsuji Asano, 29.
The store plans to carry smaller taikos light enough to be carried by women in the hopes of attracting a larger female clientele. The shop plans to teach traditional taiko instead of the more popular rhythm and blues style of the United States.
