KOKUBU – The Drums of Japan

Breathtaking – Spiritual – Archaic – Athletic Kokubu, one of the world's most renowned Taiko drum groups, will embark on a major tour of Germany again in 2027 due to overwhelming success, setting new accents with their current show "Infinity" after their acclaimed tours in recent years. With thunderous rhythms, breathtaking precision, impressive synchrony, and pure energy, Kokubu transports the audience into the soul of Japan. It is the perfect fusion of centuries-old tradition and captivating modern performance. Every beat is a quake, every movement a sensation. The exceptional artists on the powerful Taiko drums are not only virtuosos on their instruments but also masters of staging, creating a magical atmosphere with spectacular choreography and impressive light effects. KOKUBU is one of the most famous Taiko drum groups in the world. With their impressive performance, Kokubu offers deep insights into Japanese culture. Their trademark is the perfect symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship and modern entertainment, captivating audiences of all ages. The ensemble includes Shakuhachi master Chiaki Toyama, world champion on the three-string plucked instrument Tsugaru-Shamisen, Masamitsu Takasaki, and Karin Toyama – vocals and Koto. The show gains a special quality through a fascinating new element – the expressive dancer. KOKUBU presents an extraordinary artistic expansion in the upcoming season. A traditional Japanese sword dance merges with modern Japanese expressive dance to create an intense, new stage aesthetic. This fusion of centuries-old Samurai tradition and contemporary dance art meets the powerful energy of Japanese drumming – a combination that takes the audience on an impressive cultural journey. With "INFINITY," a new era begins for KOKUBU – one that takes the audience on a fascinating journey into the depths of Japanese spirituality, rhythm, and aesthetics. Powerful Taiko drums that make the ground tremble, shimmering flute tones, and an ensemble that plays with absolute precision and dedication make the new show an unforgettable experience for all the senses. "INFINITY" takes the audience on an exciting journey to the gods of Japan. The most powerful among them is Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. She is revered in the sacred Ise Shrine – and her light is considered the source of all life force. It is this divine glow that flows like an energetic current through the new program "INFINITY." The stories of the gods – passed down in the "Kojiki," the oldest mythological work in Japan – form the core of the show. The KOKUBU ensemble brings these myths to life with pulsating rhythms, hypnotic dances, and masterful music. Delicate bamboo flutes and meditative moments transport the audience to another world – only to be interrupted in the next moment by thunderous Taiko drums, whose rhythm becomes the language of the gods. "INFINITY" is more than just a concert – it is a celebration of life. Whether connoisseurs of Japanese culture or simply lovers of breathtaking live experiences: this show leaves no one untouched. "I have never seen anything like it – it was as if you could feel the energy of the universe. Every beat went through my bones." (Audience member from Cologne, Tour 2026) At the beginning of this new era, Kokubu is entering a new collaboration with their long-time partner MIRO LIVE and Seven.One Starwatch, the leading German media partner in the field of live entertainment. The subsidiary of the ProSieben Sat1 group supports the existing team in further increasing the visibility of the Taiko drum group and promoting the show widely.