Taiko Program Session

Ami Akimoto
Nov 20
2 min read

October 24, 2025 (Fri.)　

We welcomed Daycare Cosmos, a psychiatric rehabilitation facility in Sado City, with whom we have been continuing our exchange since last year. On the day of the visit, 12 program participants and 5 accompanying staff members came to the Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan).

For all the participants, this was their first time experiencing Exadondoko! at the Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan). We can imagine that visiting an unfamiliar facility and stepping outside of their usual routines may have required extra effort and consideration. After they arrived, we conducted a brief psychological check-in before starting the Exadondoko! session.

We began with a warm-up recreational game, then everyone picked up drumsticks and played the taiko together with our staff. At first, we wondered, “Are they enjoying taiko?”—but as the session went on, we began to see many relaxed and gentle expressions.

In the latter half, participants had the chance to touch and play real wooden taiko drums. On the Butabana-chan drum, someone placed their hands on the surface to feel the vibration of the sound, and on the large Yamaimo-kun drum, participants opened their arms confidently, striking with a bold “Dooon♪” and showing truly satisfied smiles. Through the physical movement of taiko drumming, it seemed that their hearts also opened a little, and their mood lightened.

As they left, many said, “That was interesting!” and “It was fun!” When the Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan) staff waved goodbye, we could see everyone smiling and waving from the bus as it pulled away.