OTO Japanese Drum Sounds Representative : Hiroyuki Iwaki

Born in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hiroyuki Iwaki was immersed in the world of taiko from an early age, inspired by his father, the head of the Kaga Taiko Preservation Society. He began playing Wadaiko at just 3 years old and made his stage debut at 13. Since then, he has performed at countless events across Japan. In 2001, he joined Sukeroku Taiko in Tokyo — Japan’s first professional taiko performance group — known for their dynamic presence in entertainment, television, and on global stages. Over the next six years, he deepened his mastery of taiko drumming and explored new forms of musical expression by collaborating with a wide range of instruments. His unique style, blending the tradition of Kaga with the refinement of Edo, continues to draw attention and acclaim. He is regularly featured in local media and television. In this exclusive experience, you’ll have the rare opportunity to drum freely and powerfully in the OTO Sounds studio, guided by a true master of Wadaiko. Come feel the rhythm for yourself!

After enjoying a powerful and inspiring performance by Mr. Iwaki and his fellow drummers, you’ll learn the basics of Wadaiko drumming and gradually build your skills—until you're ready to perform a full piece together! With a wide variety of traditional drums to try, this is the only place in Kanazawa where you can experience the thrill of playing the large Taiko drums. At the end of the session, we’ll record your group performance as a special video souvenir for you to take home. Wadaiko is a full-body experience, so please wear comfortable clothing. To wrap up the lesson, enjoy a relaxing tea break and a chance to chat with Mr. Iwaki himself.