NATC 2025 Phoenix: Taiko in the Desert
The theme of ‘taiko in the desert’ is intended to reflect both the literal and the metaphorical. Our aim is to not only highlight the unique taiko ecosystem of the desert southwest, but also to consider deserts more broadly. Although often places of limited resources and difficult conditions, deserts are rich with their own kind of beauty. The goal of the conference is thus to showcase taiko that has arisen from these distinct factors - taiko that not only exists but thrives in the face of uncommon challenge, whether that is posed by historical and cultural context, geographic isolation, or the limitations of the human body. We strive to honor the ingenuity and resilience demonstrated under these circumstances, and to acknowledge the ways in which communities have been built and sustained in resource-poor environments around a connection to and love for our shared art form. (Theme description by Ishani Deo.)
The North American Taiko Conference Returns!
The North American Taiko Conference was first held at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles in 1997, bringing together artists from the growing community of taiko players for workshops, knowledge-sharing, discussions, and performance. This conference has continued to grow and connect taiko players from across North American and Beyond! This year, we'll have instructors and performers from the United States, Japan, Canada, and Brazil.
This will be our first NATC since before the pandemic - the last one held in Portland in 2019. We're excited to be back and looking forward to our weekend together in Phoenix, where there's a unique and vibrant community of taiko players ready to host the conference and keep the tradition going!
Two Ways to Join
Our registration has two tiers. "Participants" have access to taiko workshops and can register for up to 24 hours of live instrument instruction (out of a possible 28 total). When you're not drumming, you'll be able to join discussions, attend lectures, and visit the marketplace. Participants have access to the Taiko Ten and Taiko Jam concerts automatically through registration. The other tier is called "Community" and includes everything except the instructional workshops as well as some of the limited edition merchandise. Members of the "Community Tier" are also able to attend the concerts.
For registration, please visit: https://form.jotform.com/250314678571965
