INCENSE - Concert Announcement

October 27, 2021 Fumi Tanakadate

Hello everyone,

I am thankful for the health and well-being of my loved ones, and I often think of those we have lost and those who continue to be affected by COVID.

I will be performing on Sunday, November 7th, 2021, at Joe's Pub, a venue in the heart of NYC that has presented my work for years.

Kaoru Watanabe's New Concert Series: OTO GA TATSU

February 3, 2021 Fumi Tanakadate

It has been a while since my last mailing. As I write this, a blizzard has descended upon New York City, schools are closed and the mayor has declared a weather emergency. It's gorgeous to experience from inside but I hope people are able to stay warm and safe…

I'm pleased to announce OTO GA TATSU, a once-a-month, four-part concert series starting this Saturday, February 6th at 6 pm (EST) with…

August Report

August 21, 2018 Fumi Tanakadate

So it's been a long time since writing a report. Life has been an endless series of intense transitions and challenges. I feel blessed to have all the opportunities to grow as an artist and as a human being.

Over the past few months,

Warmest greetings and best wishes for the new year!

December 30, 2017 Fumi Tanakadate

Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who supported our activities in 2017, especially all the students and participants of workshops and intensives. The drive, discipline and passion demonstrated by all those who entered our space this year was the reason why we do what we do.

KAORU'S JAPAN 2017 - a guided tour full of taiko and Japanese music studies in Japan

August 6, 2017 Fumi Tanakadate

If you have always wanted to go to Japan but felt intimidated because of language... if you've been curious to know what it's like to study in Japan but not known how to connect to teachers... if you've ever been curious to see the source of so much of what taiko drummers and fue players do these days but wouldn't know how to make the most of your time exploring Japan... THIS is the PERFECT opportunity:

KAORU'S JAPAN!

Supported by Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten and kaDON, organized by Kintetsu, I will be personally guiding participants through: 1) a workshop with...

New Message from the director Kaoru Watanabe:

January 7, 2017 Fumi Tanakadate

Happy New Year to all my fellow taiko drummers and fue players!

2016 was a milestone for me personally and it came and went without me even realizing it: Ten years ago, I left Japan and started a new life in Brooklyn, NY in 2006.

I had actually made my decision to leave Kodo in 2005. I told Ryutaro Kaneko on the ferry ride back to Sado after a Spring tour of my decision to leave and his response, I remember clearly was: 遂に来たか (So finally the time has come!). This was about a month before my directorial debut of Earth Celebration, a big annual festival where Kodo hosts groups from all over the world for collaborations and Ryutaro san recommended two things: 1) I wait until after Earth Celebration to make the announcement 2) if I really wanted to do things right by Kodo, I should stretch my transition out for about a year.