DRUM TAO (ドラムタオ), a group that has drawn audiences around the world with powerful, energetic performances centered on the taiko (wadaiko), a traditional Japanese instrument, is about to begin a nationwide tour of its latest show, THE HUMAN. Having welcomed more than 10 million audience members worldwide, the group has put everything into this stage. In Tokyo, two performances will be held at Tokyo International Forum on Tuesday, February 23, 2027 (a national holiday).
About DRUM TAO
Now in its 33rd year since formation, DRUM TAO is a Japanese entertainment group that combines the sound of traditional instruments, including taiko, with well-trained physical expression, dynamic choreography, and refined stage production. Its powerful performances have moved audiences across language and national borders.
The group is also highly regarded overseas. In 2016, every performance of its Off-Broadway run in New York sold out, and the US magazine Newsweek praised the group, saying "TAO will become the 'face' that sells Japan to the world!" In Japan, DRUM TAO has received numerous honors, including a commendation from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications (総務大臣表彰), a commendation from the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency (観光庁長官表彰), the Oita Prefecture Cultural Merit Award (大分県文化功労賞), and the Taketa City Culture Creation Award (竹田市文化創造賞).
While continuing to perform around the world, the group stages a wide variety of shows at bases such as the permanent Tokyo show 万華響 and the permanent outdoor theater TAOの丘 in Aso-Kuju National Park. In 2022, it also launched CLUB TAO, which combines club culture with taiko, and has been reaching new audiences.
DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO
In April 2026, a dedicated theater, DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, opened right in front of the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. The immersive theater space lets audiences feel the sound of the taiko up close. It has become popular with domestic and international tourists visiting Kyoto as a place to experience traditional culture while enjoying Kyoto's nights, and its reach continues to grow.
THE HUMAN
Next February, DRUM TAO's latest work, THE HUMAN, will finally be presented in Tokyo. In an era when digitalization has advanced and everything has become convenient, DRUM TAO took on the challenge of expressing "human power" at full force.
"Strip away everything and lay human power bare!"
As that phrase suggests, the members who carry DRUM TAO today, now in its 33rd year, will bring all their strength together to express the work dynamically, with their whole body and soul. The thunderous sound of the taiko, the vitality of body and mind, and heightened sensibilities become one with the heartbeat and imprint a rhythm on the audience's hearts. The group, which has thrilled audiences around the world for many years, is likely to have woven in a message it wants to deliver precisely in today's era.
The stage goes beyond listening to music or watching a performance. Audiences feel the energy released from sound and bodies with their whole bodies, and performers and audience resonate together. With a sense of presence rarely found in everyday life and a chance to touch the fundamental power humans have, the work is expected to offer a fresh kind of emotion to a wide range of generations.
It is a rare opportunity to experience the present of DRUM TAO, which continues to evolve on the world stage, live. The performances take place at Tokyo International Forum in February 2027.
Performance Details
DRUM TAO "THE HUMAN"
- Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2027 (national holiday)
- Start times: 12:00 PM (first show) and 4:30 PM (second show)
- Venue: Hall C, Tokyo International Forum (Yurakucho Station)
- Tickets: All seats reserved. S seats ¥9,800, A seats ¥8,800, B seats ¥7,800 (tax included)
- Official website: https://www.drum-tao.com
THE HUMAN Nationwide Tour Schedule
2026
| Date | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 13 (Fri), Nov. 14 (Sat, two performances) | Osaka | 松下IMPホール |
| Nov. 17 (Tue, two performances) | Okayama | 岡山芸術創造劇場 ハレノワ 中劇場 |
| Nov. 22 (Sun) | Ehime | 松山市総合コミュニティセンター キャメリアホール |
| Nov. 24 (Tue) | Tottori | 鳥取市文化ホール |
| Nov. 25 (Wed) | Shimane | 安来市総合文化ホールアルテピア 大ホール |
| Nov. 28 (Sat, two performances) | Yamaguchi | 山口県立劇場 ルネッサながと |
| Dec. 5 (Sat), Dec. 6 (Sun) | Fukuoka | 福岡市民ホール 大ホール |
| Dec. 13 (Sun) | Kumamoto | 熊本城ホール |
| Dec. 16 (Wed) | Fukuoka | 久留米シティプラザ ザ・グランドホール |
| Dec. 19 (Sat) | Kagoshima | 宝山ホール |
| Dec. 20 (Sun) | Saga | ミズ ウェルビー ホール（佐賀市文化会館） |
| Dec. 22 (Tue) | Miyazaki | メディキット県民文化センター 演劇ホール |
| Dec. 23 (Wed), Dec. 24 (Thu) | Fukuoka | J:COM北九州芸術劇場 |
| Dec. 25 (Fri) | Nagasaki | ベネックス長崎ブリックホール |
| Dec. 27 (Sun) | Oita | iichikoグランシアタ |
2027
| Date | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 16 (Sat) | Miyazaki | 日南市南郷ハートフルセンター |
| Jan. 17 (Sun) | Kumamoto | 玉名市民会館 |
| Jan. 23 (Sat, two performances) | Fukuoka | コスメイト行橋 |
| Feb. 4 (Thu) | Kumamoto | 天草市民ホール |
| Feb. 7 (Sun) | Aichi | 愛知県芸術劇場 大ホール |
| Feb. 14 (Sun) | Osaka | 南海浪切ホール |
| Feb. 16 (Tue) | Kochi | 高知県立文化会館 |
| Feb. 17 (Wed, two performances) | Tokushima | あわぎんホール |
| Feb. 19 (Fri) | Takamatsu | サンポール高松 |
| Feb. 21 (Sun) | Ehime | 西条市総合文化会館 |
| Feb. 23 (Tue, two performances) | Tokyo | 東京国際フォーラム ホールC |
| Mar. 4 (Thu) | Niigata | 新潟県民会館 大ホール |
| Mar. 6 (Sat), Mar. 7 (Sun) | Ishikawa | 北國新聞赤羽ホール |
