About
Nagata Shachu is thrilled to be welcoming back shinobue (bamboo flute) master, Jiro Murayama direct from Japan, for its 28th Anniversary 2025-2026 concert season. Together, Nagata Shachu and Murayama will perform several new compositions and traditional folk festival pieces featuring soaring melodies and spirited drumming.
Jiro Murayama, who began his career with the renowned Kodo drummers in 1989, seamlessly crosses over between the modern and traditional. He currently remains as the only original member of Tokyo Dageki Dan, a professional taiko group in Tokyo formed in 1995. In addition to performing across Japan and internationally, Murayama has recorded several CDs and written many instructional books for the shinobue. His shinobue and taiko performance can be heard on FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 Original Soundtrack.
About Nagata Shachu
Nagata Shachu, based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The group has toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy, and has performed at major engagements in Lebanon and Mexico.
While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the ensemble’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata and the Japanese word shachu meaning group, Nagata Shachu, has become renowned for its exacting, physically demanding and energetic performances on the taiko, as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit and passion with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline.