Nami | Watsonville Taiko Group | TEDxPaloAlto

View a stunning, energizing performance by Watsonville Taiko Group, with original composition by Artistic Director Ikuyo Conant.

Watsonville Taiko Group (WTG), founded by Jim Hooker in 1991, is a taiko drumming community of performers and supporters. Ikuyo Conant, artistic director since 1992, sets the group’s goal to strive through exploration of taiko to develop an art that combines drumming with folklore, mythology and symbolism. Taiko as folk art is emphasized because it places value on joining with others to keep tradition alive. Important values and social meanings are found in the context of full participation and understanding of cultural traditions. By working together, the group learns that each person is valued as an important member of the community.

This performance was part of TEDxPaloAlto Identity, held on April 2, 2017. For more information about TEDxPaloAlto please visit http://www.tedxpaloalto.com.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx