Who is Nen Daiko?
Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and has been performing in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1994.
With the guidance of then-Rev. Kenryu Tsuji and our sister groups Soh Daiko (New York City, NY) and Hoh Daiko (Seabrook, NJ), Nen Daiko sought to represent our temple by emphasizing the basic philosophies of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and its connection to taiko and kumi-daiko (ensemble playing of taiko).
While affiliated with Ekoji Buddhist Temple, our members are diverse and of different faiths, brought together by a common respect for the art of taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and a joy and exuberance for expressing ourselves through the beat of the drum.
The mission of Nen Daiko is to represent Ekoji in the following ways:
Since its inception, Nen Daiko has performed at many venues in the metropolitan area, such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Theatre, the National Mall, the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin, and the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in World War II. We have also appeared at many universities throughout the area, including George Mason University, George Washington University, American University, and Towson University.
We participate in many local and national events throughout the year, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the summer Obon Festival at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. Please check our calendar for our latest performance information!
With the guidance of then-Rev. Kenryu Tsuji and our sister groups Soh Daiko (New York City, NY) and Hoh Daiko (Seabrook, NJ), Nen Daiko sought to represent our temple by emphasizing the basic philosophies of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and its connection to taiko and kumi-daiko (ensemble playing of taiko).
While affiliated with Ekoji Buddhist Temple, our members are diverse and of different faiths, brought together by a common respect for the art of taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and a joy and exuberance for expressing ourselves through the beat of the drum.
The mission of Nen Daiko is to represent Ekoji in the following ways:
- Expose the Washington, DC metropolitan area to the cultural and musical aspects of kumi-daiko
- Continuously improve the group’s technical and artistic caliber
- Enhance personal fulfillment through participation
- Raise awareness of the connection between taiko and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Since its inception, Nen Daiko has performed at many venues in the metropolitan area, such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Theatre, the National Mall, the Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin, and the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in World War II. We have also appeared at many universities throughout the area, including George Mason University, George Washington University, American University, and Towson University.
We participate in many local and national events throughout the year, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the summer Obon Festival at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. Please check our calendar for our latest performance information!
Interviews with Nen Daiko
Nen Daiko at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in March 2017
Nen Daiko was interviewed by Yan Shi, a journalism student at American University, in March 2017.
Nen Daiko was interviewed by Yan Shi, a journalism student at American University, in March 2017.
Nen Daiko was interviewed by the Smithsonian Institution in May of 2010, after a performance to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.