Enriching Taiko enthusiasts with Japanese culture and music.
We are Stockholm Taiko
About
Welcome to Stockholm Taiko, a vibrant community dedicated to the art and spirit of Japanese Taiko drumming!
Founded in 2024, Stockholm Taiko bridges the rich traditions of Japanese culture with the unique energy of Sweden. More than just a drumming group, we are a community of individuals inspired by the power of rhythm to connect, empower, and transform.
Mission
Stockholm Taiko promotes physical and mental well-being through the practice and performance of Taiko, Japanese traditional music and performance arts.
We serve as a bridge between Japanese and Nordic cultures, fostering mutual understanding, inspiring creativity, and empowering individuals and communities through the unifying power of Taiko.
Vision & Purpose
A world where Taiko unites people, revitalizes cultural heritage, and awakens the human spirit for a harmonious and thriving society.
We connect humanity to its roots and each other through the transformative power of Taiko, fostering balance, creativity, and community.
Founder & Leader
Maki brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to Stockholm Taiko, drawing from my intensive corporate business background and my experience as a wellness instructor specializing in Yoga, Breathwork, and the Wim Hof Method. With black belts in both Karate and Judo, I deeply value discipline, strength, and mindfulness—qualities that also resonate in the art of Taiko.
My mission is to bring energy and joy to Sweden, a country I love, especially during its darker months. Through Taiko and its powerful rhythms, I aim to inspire connection, uplift communities, and ignite the spirit of everyone who experiences it.
Our Team.
Our team is made up of passionate individuals who have recently started their Taiko journey but are already embracing the power and joy of drumming. With enthusiasm, dedication, and a love for sharing the rhythm, we are growing together and excited to bring the energy of Taiko to every performance. Whether you're attending a show or joining one of our workshops, our team’s spirit and joy will leave you inspired and uplifted!
Our Teachers
We are proud to work with experienced Japanese teachers who bring the authentic spirit of Taiko to Stockholm. Their deep knowledge, cultural expertise, and passion for drumming ensure that every lesson and workshop is rooted in the rich traditions of Japan. With their guidance, you’ll not only learn the techniques of Taiko but also connect with its powerful cultural heritage.
Honoring Sweden Taiko and Andrew Hickman
The history of Taiko in Sweden began in 1991 with the Stockholm Taiko Club, founded after inspiring performances and workshops by Japanese pioneers Iwakichi Yamashita and Noriko Hashimoto from Kyoto. These early seeds of Taiko drumming in Sweden laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community of Taiko enthusiasts.
After years of dedication to playing and studying Taiko, Andrew Hickman continued to grow this legacy, culminating in the creation of Sweden Taiko in 2014. Sweden Taiko built strong connections with Taiko groups in Japan and drew inspiration from the rich traditions of Japanese Taiko music. These rhythms, rooted in the hearts of communities—fishermen, farmers, foresters, weavers, and ironworkers—capture the spirit of Japan’s local festivals and cultural heritage.
In the summer of 2024, Maki Kobayashi established Stockholm Taiko to bring a new vision to Taiko in Sweden. While Stockholm Taiko has charted its own course, we honor the foundation built by Sweden Taiko.
Taiko’s rhythm continues to evolve here in Stockholm, connecting people and cultures through the powerful beat of the drum.
