In ancient Japan, the beat of a drum or “taiko” accompanied petitions toGod. Today, the ceremony lives on and is called "Mikotonori," in whichthe sound of drumming bridges the divide between the human and thedivine. The thunder of taiko is pure. It cleanses both the senses andthe surroundings of those who pray. Mikotonori is a prayer in which thehopes and thankfulness of those participating rise straight to God.Such occasions of transcendence are known as " kanno doko," moments inwhich the spiritual and physical worlds speak to each other and areentwined with divine light. It was at such a moment that the ShumeiTaiko Ensemble was born.

Shumei Taiko Ensemble believes that artcan touch every human being despite the differences of language,customs, race and religion. The mystical power which springs from theartist’s soup passes through the written word, the picture and themusical instrument, and plucks at the soul of all humankind. It is ourgoal to bring all hearts together in a united call for world peace.