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雨の後 Ame no Ato

Taiko @ Montréal / Tiohtiá:ke

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ame.no.ato

🎶 Taiko duo based in Tiohtiá:ke / Montréal, QC Canada
🌱 Rooted in tradition | ✨ Sharing our passion for Taiko 🎵
Email us for performance inquiries

Day 10’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechalle Day 10’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge  is “Relief”

So many moments of relief, so few pictures that quite capture the feeling. 😊 Taiko players can probably relate to how good those post-show meals and drinks taste. Somehow, everything tastes better after Taiko and even more so when the heat and humidity of summer are at their highest! 😉

Raising a glass to all the Taiko players out there. Thank you for pouring your hearts and souls into your craft and sharing your passion for this art form. Special thank you to @nendaiko for creating this #taikolovechallenge and giving us all a chance to share and get to know each other a little better 💕

#taikolove
#relief
Day 9’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolove challe Day 9’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolove challenge is “Voice” 

As Taiko players, we often use our voices in the form of kiai to encourage our fellow taiko mates or to psych ourselves up to power through a challenging section of a piece. Some of us dare to venture into using our voice to sing preluding or interwoven into a taiko piece (not naming names, but for some of us, this can be quite intimidating!). Though we may not be naturally talented at singing, it doesn't stop us from working on it!

Having never formally done any voice training, it was surprising to learn how much of our bodies contribute to our voice. Or how natural uses of different parts of our bodies could be used to enhance our voices. We had a glimpse of this when we took an online lesson with @yumingo36 and @eri.taikoin. We coughed, gagged, and made faces like when you are eating something very sour, trying to activate and enhance our voices.🤪 🤣 Got you curious? You could try this out yourself in the upcoming @kadontaiko voice course with @eri.taikoin, @yumingo36 , PJ @taikopeace, and Yoko Fujimoto @sannya45 . 😉

#Taikolovechallenge
#voice

#taiko
#singing
Day 8’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolove challe Day 8’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolove challenge is “Construction” 

All of the taiko folks we have come across in our adventures in North America have had to get crafty somewhere along their group's taiko journey. Albeit the professionally made equipment is beautiful to all of our senses, there is something very personal and precious in hand-making some equipment, whether it be stands, taiko, or even bachi! We have had fun over the years getting our hands covered in wood dust, stain, glue, and even the occasional splinter or cut when taking a stab at building some taiko and stands. With the help and guidance of some wonderful friends 💕, some handy tools 🔨, and some nice outdoor weather🌤️, we have been able to make a few pieces of equipment that continue to support our taiko adventures 🥁✨🎋.

#taikolovechallenge
#construction

#japanesedrums
#woodworking
#crafting
#taiko
Day 7’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallen Day 7’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge is “TaikoCam” 

As taiko players and performers, we often find ourselves in front of the lens. Whether it be candid pictures at an event, videos of a performance, self-videos during practice, or profile shots, you name it, there are countless opportunities between taiko and camera. Out of all of these however, today's theme reminded us of our early video project in our first year (i.e. pandemic time) that eventually resulted in our promo reel. We took many takes from many angles, (with many blooper moments in between), then re-watched and stitched frames together to try and share our joy and passion for taiko through video. Not only did we spend time in front of the lens, but we also spent a lot of time behind it, getting a sense of what the viewers see. Definitely gives a whole new perspective and appreciation into camera work! Extremely grateful for some very special folks who helped make this project a reality that day. 💕

Shared here are a small fraction of the many clips that did not make it into the final product. We should have made a blooper reel, but that will have to be a project for another day. 😉

#Taikolovechallenge
#Taikocam

#Taiko
#Japanesedrums
#canallachine 
#fiveroses
#iconicmontreal
Day 6’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolove challe Day 6’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolove challenge  is “our home” 

There are many meanings of "home", it can refer to where you are from, where you live, the physical structure, the people there. "Home" is a place to return to, where you hopefully feel safe, and welcome. Taiko is home for us, a place to process and express, to be ourselves. 

Grateful for the people who have contributed to making taiko home and the opportunity to continue to connect with others through Taiko. 💕

#taikolovechallenge
#home

#Japanesedrums 
#taiko
Day 5’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallen Day 5’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge is “renewal” 

Throughout all that we’re exposed to in taiko, as excited as we get with new pieces, new styles, new drums, new projects, there is always a sense of renewal when revisiting fundamentals. Returning to the very essence of taiko, breathing in a stable form, awareness of every single stroke, these elements are grounding, and there is something almost meditative in revisiting and renewing our awareness of and practice of these elements. It is akin to how the deeper roots permit a tree to reach new heights, passing through the seasons and blooming anew each time. Much gratitude to the many teachers and guides that have taught us along the way. There are far more teachers and guides that we have had the good fortune to meet along our journey than we can properly pay homage to in this brief post, nevertheless, here are a few more recent photo memories. With their teachings in mind, we continue to renew the fundamentals.

#taikolove
#renewal

#gratitude
#taikoteachers
#japanesedrums
Day 4’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallen Day 4’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge  is “Merch” 

And is there any merch more practical than a Spare bachi bag!?

Taiko players are already familiar with the need for spare bachi when performing. Shout out to @naobynaoko for her beautiful bags for holding spare bachi. You can’t see the spare one on the back of the taiko here, but here is a demonstration of just how useful these bachi bags are for quickly recovering from mishaps during performance! Ok, maybe this was a slow recovery, as we were pretty stunned that this happened so early in the piece since it usually happens later in this piece! 😀 (Those of you who know Sugamen 🥁 by Kris Bergstrom, know what we’re talking about 😉). Thanks @naobynaoko for helping to save the day 😉

#Taikolovechallenge
#merch

#AlwaysBePrepared
#JapaneseDrums
#SpareBachi
#TaikoGear
#Taiko
Day 3’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallen Day 3’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge is “halloween” 

And what could possibly be more halloween than a halloween 🎃 cat🐈‍⬛ in front of an old practice taiko 🥁? Ok… maybe a bit of a stretch (see #2 🐈) but somehow our love of taiko and cats is just one of the first things that came to mind when thinking of halloween 😉 We love dogs 🐕and other animals too 🐇🐥🐒! 🙂 Just didn’t have a picture of ‘em with a taiko 😉 😸

#taikolove
#halloween 
#taikocats
Day 2’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallen Day 2’s theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge  is “we fancy” 

There are countless things that we fancy, but one from the top of the list is most certainly taiko “roadtrips”! That opportunity to catch up on stories, consolidate ideas, brainstorm new projects and plans, kuchishouga some pieces or just enjoy the scenery, what’s not to love about a taiko trip? 🥰 Also knowing that there’s some taiko-related event at the destination is pretty exciting too 😜 🥁 We spend a lot of time practicing, focused on working on technical elements, but road trips provide that extra opportunity for inspiration and adventure, a breath of something different that often somehow ends up making its way into our performances or composition ideas one way or another 🎶✨🎋

#taikolovechallenge
#taikoroadtrip
#wefancy
Day 1's theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge Day 1's theme from @nendaiko's #taikolovechallenge is "welcome!" 😊

You could probably take photos from just about any Taiko event and apply the label "welcome" to it because that's who the Taiko community are, warm and welcoming folks with a passion for Taiko, both at home and abroad. We were reminded of that once again this summer on Sado as we were warmly welcomed by an international community of Taiko players and Taiko enthusiasts. Thank you Taiko community for being the warm and welcoming souls that you are. Always a pleasure meeting you and drumming with you 💕

#taikolovechallenge 
#welcome

#TaikoCommunity
#kodoheartbeat 
#earthcelebration 
#sadoisland
Earth Celebration – Day 3! (A little late in posti Earth Celebration - Day 3! (A little late in posting – life happens 😉)

Day 3 held more beautiful and magical moments from witnessing Chieko-san dance and play taiko with her daughter, working on shinobue skills with Yasukazu Kano, getting to see another amazing Kodo collaboration concert – the Kodo earth Beat groove show and a chance to get to make new friends and spend more time with old friends, what more could one ask for? Oh, perhaps the ability to clone ourselves, as of course there are often other simultaneous events happening at once and we couldn’t see everything, but we soaked in as much of the beautiful energy that we could in the hopes that we can find ways to continue to share it forward with others.

Highlights: 

- Seeing @chieko9262 dance at Kisaki Shrine👘
- Chieko-san playing hachijo with her daughter🎋
- Making more new friends and catching up with old friends! 🥰
- Shinobue workshop with @yasukazu_kano 🎶🪈
- Day 3 harbor concert: Kodo Earth Beat Groove 🪘🥁 with Aly Ndiaye Rose, @benaylon, @baye_dame_bou_yaye and @jaecholchoi
- Getting to know @ikkontaiko members a little more 💕

The @earthcelebration_sadoisland festival is such a beautiful gathering of fantastic energy and spirits from all around the world that we wish could go on forever, but perhaps the short ephemeral nature of it is part of what makes it so magical. 

 Thank you for this beautiful experience! 
Hope to be back again someday!

#sadoisland
#earthcelebration 
#summerfestival 
#japanesedrums
#taiko
#ogi
Ogi Matsuri 🎊 Day 2 – Onikenbai 👺🗡️🪭 Ogi Matsuri 🎊 Day 2 - Onikenbai 👺🗡️🪭 kadodzuke🚪

This year's Japan trip started with and ended with Onikenbai, coming around full circle! We prepared for this day-long dancing celebration where the group goes from door to door, dancing for the residents to ward off bad spirits and bring in good fortune. We prepared during the week, dancing at several locations around Sado, and also the group rehearsal on Friday evening where we were reunited with the apprentices and Sado Onikenbai. We even had surprise guests from Kitakami's Iwasaki Onikenbai join in on the dances and offer us guidance. 

We danced the day away in the hot and humid Sado summer weather to the lively music and kiai of the okado. It was our last day on Sado so we didn't hesitate to capture a few more shots with our good friends! 

Hopefully all the dancing brings another fortunate year to the residents of Ogi! Until next time!

#latergram
#sadoonikenbai #ogi #ogimatsuri #onikenbai #folk #dance
Earth Celebration – Day 2 ! 🥁🎋🎐🎉 Day Earth Celebration - Day 2 ! 🥁🎋🎐🎉

Day 2 started with such a high from the Little big taiko Fest playing with groups from Brazil, Japan and of course Kodo, that it was difficult to imagine that it could get any better, yet it did! The Day 2 harbour concert collaboration between Kodo and el Tempo was quite electrifying, truly something that needs to be witnessed live and that was followed by a surprise late night concert in beautiful Shiroyama park! Very grateful for one of the most perfect days on one of the most beautiful islands. Our hearts were very full from all the Day 2 energy! Thank you EC!

Some Day 2 highlights:

- Little Big Taiko Fest! 💕
- Kodo village visit 🥁
- Getting to try playing an anklung! ✨🎶
- Day 2 concert: Kodo x El tempo 🔥🥁🔥
- Sado Okesa 👘🏮
- Surprise Kodo night concert in Shiroyama park 🎋🎐
- Making new friends 🥰

#sadoisland
#earthcelebration 
#summerfestival 
#japanesedrums
#taiko
#ogi
Earth Celebration – Day 1! 🥁🎋🎐🎉 A lit Earth Celebration - Day 1! 🥁🎋🎐🎉

A little jet lagged after a long commute, but the energy and excitement of EC washed the tired away! 💕 Had been looking forward to being back on beautiful Sado Island and witnessing the pure joy and energy of Earth celebration 🙂

 Some Day 1 highlights (photos in random order 🤣)

- Arrival from the Sado Ferry🚢
- Harbor market & catching up with old friends 
- Saeki Bayashi
- Fukaura school house for equipment selection
- Kodo apprentice presentation
- Kodo's Ogi stroll
- Day 1 harbour concert: Kodo Synergy 💕🥁🎋

The Kodo Synergy concert was truly magical under the lights that shone like stars ✨, my breath was completely taken away by this show. Thank you Kodo for filling my inspiration cup to overflowing. 

#sadoisland
#earthcelebration 
#japanesedrums 
#summerfestival 
#taiko
#ogi
#kodo
Participating at Michinoku Geino Matsuri for a 3rd Participating at Michinoku Geino Matsuri for a 3rd year in a row, I'm finally starting to feel the familiarity of the festival and starting to absorb what is Geino! Before the Matsuri, I had the opportunity to train with the generosity of the local masters as well as fellow dancers from Sydney and USA (thank you @sydney_onikenbai for letting me join!). The days started early and ended late, with many dances, moving up and down to the live beat of the taiko and melody of the fue. We were enlightened by the detailed advice of our masters and Niwamoto san, who still dances fiercely at 77! I was humbled by both Niwamoto's energy and the eagerness of team USA students. Despite tired legs,  my soul was invigorated to keep learning and improving, to honor the effort and energy that the masters so generously offer. I also really enjoyed both meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones from the various Onikenbai teams from around Japan and abroad. Successfully surviving the main festival days, I was further honored to learn from J sensei with some further training. I've got a lot of work ahead of me to internalize all this learning and to share with my fellow dancers back home. 頑張ります!!

#onikenbai #kitakami #michinokugeinomatsuri #dance #folkart #鬼剣舞 #onikenbaimtl
So humbled and grateful to have been able to be a So humbled and grateful to have been able to be a part of Little Big Taiko Fest 2025 along with @ikkontaiko @musashi_seiran, 小野ラファエル真二, @kodoheartbeat and @earthcelebration_sadoisland. We had a lot of fun playing Kodo's Haruka together with everyone and loved seeing each group's individual character through their own styles and pieces. Thank you Kodo for putting this fest together where we enjoyed getting to know taiko players from different parts of the globe, and learning about their approach to taiko. Playing Kodo's One Earth music and being part of this little big taiko fest reminds us of how taiko can be both a connector and way to communicate joy, both for the players and the audience. We are forever grateful for this opportunity and deeply moved by all the energy and talent we witnessed. We will treasure this experience for years to come by continuing to share the joys of taiko. 

#latergram #littlebigtaikofest #taiko #sado #earthcelebration #kodo #amenoato #festival
We are ever so honoured and humbled to have been s We are ever so honoured and humbled to have been selected to participate in this year’s Big Little Taiko Fest at @earthcelebration_sadoisland ! We are very excited to have this opportunity to share the stage with @ikkontaiko @musashi_seiran and of course @kodoheartbeat

Kodo has been a huge inspiration to us both in our taiko journeys over the years from early KasaMix trips, performance tours where different members have visited Montreal over the years, time spent in workshops or lessons with current and former Kodo members, to the pure enjoyment of hearing and seeing their sound whenever they perform. Kodo continually motivates us to keep working harder to grow as taiko players. Not to mention the beautifully inspiring concept of Earth Celebration where people from all over come together to create something as one, with nature, in coexistence and harmony. A purpose that remains ever so timely and urgent today. 

Thank you ever so much to Kodo, EC and everyone involved in making this event happen. We are truly grateful for this opportunity to commune with everyone in this time and place and hope to bring some of that energy and inspiration back and continue to share it here.

📷 @lilscafe

#biglittletaikofest #earthcelebration #Kodo #AmenoAto #Taiko #ec2025 #sadoisland
#Japanesedrums
Un petit retour en images du Festival Ru. Un gros Un petit retour en images du Festival Ru. Un gros merci @avenuemontroyal pour l’invitation et pour les photos! Ça a été un réel plaisir de partager le taiko avec vous lors du Festival Ru et d’avoir pu vous rencontrer après le spectacle. 

📷 :Vladimir Rigolet

----

A quick photo recap of some moments from Festival Ru a few weeks ago. A big thank you to @avenuemontroyal for the invite and for the photos! It was a real pleasure to share taiko with you at the Ru Festival and to be able to meet you after the show.

📷 : Vladimir Rigolet

#FestivalRu 
#AvenueMontRoyal 
#TamboursJaponais 
#AmenoAto 
#Taiko
Félicitations encore une fois à @bonsaigrosbec p Félicitations encore une fois à @bonsaigrosbec pour leurs 30 ans! 🎋  Nous avons eu beaucoup de plaisir à célébrer avec eux tout récemment 🎉 et à découvrir leur site! Si vous n’y êtes jamais allé et vous aimez les bonsaïs, ça vaut le détour 😊
Nous avons beaucoup aimé découvrir les belles œuvres d’art et rencontrer les différents artistes qui étaient là 🙂

Merci à l’équipe de Bonsaï Gros-Bec pour cette découverte!

Au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt!

#taiko #japanesedrums #amenoato #drum #performance #bonsaigrosbec #Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez
Moku drum debut! 🥁✨ We had the pleasure of un Moku drum debut! 🥁✨
We had the pleasure of unveiling and debuting our new Moku drum at this year’s Festival Matsuri! 🎋It was a huge stage so perhaps the drum details were lost on the crowd, but we were thrilled to be able to share taiko with everyone using this drum.💕 As players we enjoyed the deep resonance and hope that the sound conveyed far and wide to the audience. 🏮

Much gratitude to @mokustudio.to for working with us to make this beautiful 2.2 shaku (!) drum. Their passion and dedication to what they do and the skillful craftsmanship of this drum are an art onto itself 😊 Having the drum sit at just the right height with a large skin to take in all the energy is very satisfying as a player!

Special shout out to members of @shima.no.taiko who helped us move gear on and off the stage! Extra arms are always greatly appreciated especially after a performance when everything feels just a little heavier than before the show 😉!

📽️– @lilscafe thank you for filming ! 💕

📷 1 – Festival RU – merci @marinoshoo & @mastakojo pour les photos 😊💕

📷 2 - Moku en plein air @bonsaigrosbec 😊 

#taiko #japanesedrums #mokustudio #amenoato #montreal #festivalmatsuri #matsuri #drum #performance #festivalRU #bonsaigrosbec #mont-royal #Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez
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Ame No Ato

Montreal, QC, Canada

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