is  based in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas of Southwest Ohio.  They practice, perform and teach the art of Japanese drumming called “Wadaiko” as it is known in Japan, or “Taiko” as it is known in the west.

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Wadaiko Gouken was founded by Eddie Yates who trained and performed under his sensei Daigoro Aska, who leads Aska Gumi in Nara Japan.  Aska Gumi is one of the top Japanese drum troupes in the world and Eddie was the only westerner to be accepted to train and perform with them. 

 

Eddie decided to move back to his hometown in Cincinnati to begin teaching and create a performing group, sharing the knowledge he gained while in Japan.  He has a vision to organize an environment where wadaiko can be practiced and performed, exposing it to the community around him.  With over 25 years of performing, and with his extensive and vigorous training in Japan, Eddie forms Wadaiko Gouken.