Taikomon

Candlelight: Taiko Under the Light of a Thousand Candles

27 de September de 2025
This summer, we experienced a truly magical evening with our open-air Candlelight concert in Parque 1º de Mayo de La Poveda (Arganda del Rey, Madrid). Surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles and an attentive audience, we shared a night dedicated to the art of taiko — the ancient Japanese drum that embodies strength, rhythm, and unity.

The Origin and Power of Taiko

Throughout the concert, we offered the audience a glimpse into the origins of taiko: its ancient role in temples, on battlefields, and in village festivals, where it was always a symbol of energy, communication, and togetherness. Today, taiko has evolved into a performing art that blends music, movement, and expression — an experience that connects players and listeners alike through rhythm and vibration.
We performed pieces such as “Haru” by Joji Hirota and “Tanuki” by Andrés Esteban, as well as traditional songs like Kodomo Bayashi and Wa no Ichi by Kaoly Asano. Each piece revealed a different facet of taiko — from precise rhythms to expressive, free-flowing movements that fill the air with sound and spirit.

Creation, Community, and Shared Energy

We also presented “Inori”, a piece created by our own TaikoMon students during class — its name meaning prayer — along with Shibuya, inspired by the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s famous district. These compositions represent what we love most about taiko: its power to create, connect, and bring people together through rhythm and movement.

Gratitude

Our heartfelt thanks go to the City Council of Arganda del Rey for their trust and continued support, and for promoting taiko through cultural workshops and classes over the past four years. And of course, to everyone who joined us that night — your energy, applause, and presence made the performance truly unforgettable.
For us, taiko is more than percussion; it is a way to unite body, mind, and spirit through sound. On this candlelit night, we once again felt its deep power to move and connect us all.
Thank you for being part of this experience! 🥁🕯️✨