How Taiko drumming resonates with the Israel public

by Mike Druttman

Nothing is more impressive to the Japanese visitor than to see a large group of Israelis masterfully drumming as one at a local public Taiko event - to the delight of an enthusiastic audience. The tradition and art of Taiko has truly captured the Israeli soul, acting as a powerful bridge between the cultures of both countries.

This is triggered by a strong affection that Israelis have for all things Japanese, whether it's food, design, music, performing arts, dance or the whole spectrum of Japanese achievement and values. During regular years, tens of thousands of Israelis visit Japan annually. They place Japan at the pinnacle of Asian nations. 

At the core, a man with a mission

Nitay Zelniker is the heart of Taiko Life Israel, the organization that he founded in 2015 to bring the Taiko drumming experience to Israel. Born into a musical family (his mother Orit plays the double bass in professional orchestras), he tried many instruments but found that drumming spoke to him the most. While studying medical laboratory sciences at university he saw a Taiwanese film called 'The Drummer' where a young man joined a Taiko group named U-Theater. It hooked him. He decided to abandon his medical studies and buy a one-way ticket to Taiwan. 

What followed was a dedicated and persistent quest to be accepted by the group, become proficient and absorb the culture around Taiko. Along the way he met his Japanese wife, Maho Sato, who was studying Chinese in Taiwan. Nitay later moved with her to Japan, where he joined other Taiko groups so that he could improve his drumming skills. The couple stayed in Japan for 18 months before returning to Israel and setting up Taiko Life Israel.

Opening a new horizon for Israelis

"I felt that Taiko could become a cross-cultural activity here. It has the precision, uniformity and energy that attracts many people looking for an activity that's different and physical. They embrace Japanese culture. To help, we also count in Japanese! Taiko has now become a hit, with new classes enrolling all the time." explains Nitay. 

A drumming course typically lasts 13 weeks. There are three levels, with three stages within the first two levels. Level 1 starts with Shokyu (beginners), before moving to HanEn (intermediate) and then Kaminari (advanced). Level 2 has Hashi, then Naruto followed by Nanahashi - again moving from beginners to advanced in this group. Level 3 has Buzoku. There's also a Special Course called Miyake to teach traditional Japanese Rhythms.

As players become more proficient at drumming techniques they develop a sense of rhythm and togetherness. Everybody learns to listen to one another, understand the spirituality behind the drumming and eventually find the common harmony that bonds.

Public performances are a magnet

The events organized by Taiko Life have become much-anticipated spectacles within Israel's cultural calendar. They range from intimate performances to grand showcases, serving as platforms for both seasoned drummers and newcomers to display their talents and immerse themselves and their audiences in the pulsating rhythms of Taiko.

The top team are the ones who have devoted years to their technique and therefore have the greatest 'wow' effect. Apart from Nitay Zelniker, they include Einat Chitayat, Ran Guy, Miho Kataoka, Alon Nataf, Maho Sato and Nitay's mother Orit Zelniker. Two of the group are Japanese, which adds to their authenticity.  

Recently the professional group participated in a TV-special concert held at the massive Caesarea Roman Auditorium in honor of the hostages held in Gaza. They were part of an extraordinary assembly of 2000 musicians. 

Every four months, after each group at the Training School has mastered its composition, the public get to see an End of Course Performance. It's an electrifying sight to see somebody you know showing such growing skill and confidence on a Taiko drum. One can say that it's a shot of adrenalin passing  from the players to the audience. 

How does Nitay summarize the way that Taiko drumming has succeeded in Israel? "Look, we're a country of immigrants, open to diverse cultural experiences" he explains. "Israelis tend to be 'free and easy', so they also like the contrast of being disciplined and controlled. Taiko comes with that, plus a lot of fun". 

Japanese visiting Israel will find a broad trend of cultural appreciation, where traditional art forms from around the world find a welcoming home amidst Israel's rich tapestry of heritage and innovation.