Omiyage means "gift." This song was written by Shoji Kameda in 2004 as a gift to the worldwide taiko community as a way to encourage a spirit of generosity amongst taiko performers. 

Nen Daiko originally learned the song from Shoji many years ago. In 2020, they invited Yuta Kato to help us formalize "our story" for the song. 

In our story of Omiyage, the shime, okedo and odaiko performers represent "the spirit of taiko." From the initial beats of the song, they are calling the chu performers and encouraging them to play. The chu performers enter on to the stage and respond joyously to the spirit of taiko.

The chu performers are filled with joy when they first hit the drum. They are thinking, "this is amazing! I want to play that!" Their excitement builds as they continue to play. 

The shime and okedo team represent "the spirit of taiko" and call to the other performers to play - Photo by Raymond Fudge, Sakura Taiko Fest, March 2022

Nen Daiko performs Omiyage in front of the Washington Monument in Washington DC - Photo by Raymond Fudge, March 2022

During the next part of the song, each chu performer does a solo. They are finding their own voice in taiko. Do they love the feeling of speed, grace, power? They are fully themselves. The other performers cheer them on as they explore their taiko identity.

As the song builds in energy and the group plays together more, this represents how we grow in awareness of each other. Taiko is all about playing together or kumi-daiko. 

Nen Daiko members practice together almost every week for many hours. The end of the song represents the growing commitment to each other and our mission of sharing taiko with the world!

Nen Daiko performs Omiyage at Obon 2015 with members of Soh Daiko - Photo by Don Smith

Photo by Raymond Fudge, Sakura Taiko Fest, March 2022

Photo by Raymond Fudge, Sakura Taiko Fest, March 2022

The Spirit of Taiko - Photo by The Embassy of Japan / Aaron Webb, April 2022

Bloomaroo, April 2022 - Photo by The Wharf

Nen Daiko performing a snippet of Omiyage at the Sakura Taiko Fest, March 2022 - Video by Brant Horio

Nen Daiko performs Omiyage with our sister taiko groups Soh Daiko and Hoh Daiko at the Seabrook Obon, July 2016 - Photo by Hanae Coutrier

Nen Daiko performs Omiyage at the Freedom Walk in 2009 - Photo by Kris Ikejiri

Nen Daiko performs Omiyage at the National Portrait Gallery in 2015

Header photo by Raymond Fudge, Sakura Taiko Fest, March 2022