About me
Sho’on Shibata is a performing artist, composer, and educator specializing in Japanese taiko drumming and shinobue. Rooted in traditional Japanese music, his work blends influences from Western classical, jazz, world music, and electronic music, showcasing a global perspective.
Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Sho’on’s early training in Western classical music expanded into various genres, leading him to study global rhythms and instruments. In 2015, he moved to Honolulu to study with taiko master Kenny Endo, honing his contemporary taiko practice.
He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Crane School of Music and a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Sho’on has performed with the Taiko Center of the Pacific and Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, and has taught internationally, leading workshops at events like NATC-R Hilo, Regional Taiko Gathering, and the Summer Taiko Intensive.
As an educator, Sho’on has been an instructor at the Taiko Center of the Pacific (Honolulu, HI) and Hibikus Tenjin (Fukuoka, Japan). Based in Honolulu, he continues to perform as a solo artist and collaborate with various ensembles.
