Ai Matsuda is a Taiko artist whose journey embodies both mastery and mentorship. Born in Japan and awakened to the power of Taiko in Hawaii, she has since studied with legendary masters across the globe, refining a style that is as technically precise as it is emotionally resonant. From captivating international audiences to shaping the next generation of drummers through dedicated teaching, Matsuda’s artistry is rooted in deep cultural reverence and an unwavering commitment to evolution.
With every strike of the drum, AI MATSUDA channels a rich cultural lineage while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Whether on stage or in the studio, she honors the heartbeat of Taiko - bridging generations, traditions, and borders through rhythm, spirit, and sound. Her work carries the soul of Taiko into the present moment, preserving its power while inviting the world to feel its thunderous pulse.
Professional Training, Colleagues, & Partners
Performance
Schedule
2025 DATES TIME LOCATION EVENTS
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June 7 4 PM Hawaii's Plantation Village Waipahu Plantation Village Bon Dance
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June 8 - July 13 9 AM Washington Middle School Taiko Center of the Pacific Classes
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June 14 1 PM Ala Moana Center Pan Pacific Festival
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June 21 12 PM Haleiwa Beach Park Haleiwa Arts Festival
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July 5 2 PM Wahiawa District Park Wahiawa War Memorial Program
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July 18 8 PM Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission Community Bon Dance
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July 19 8 PM Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission Community Bon Dance
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August 9 7 PM Kennedy Theater, UH Manoa Kenny Endo 50th Anniversary Concert
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August 10 4 PM Kennedy Theater, UH Manoa Kenny Endo 50th Anniversary Concert
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August 29 ------ Phoenix Convention Center (AZ) North American Taiko Conference
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September 12 6 PM Walmart Mililani Badges and Bucket
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September 13 7 PM Leeward Community College Megabon
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October 25 ------ LCC Theater Ryugen Taiko 10th Anniversary Concert
TAIKO
Taiko (太鼓) – meaning “great drum,” is a dynamic Japanese art that blends rhythm, movement, and spirit. Rooted in ancient rituals, festivals, and battlefield signals, Taiko evolved into a powerful stage performance combining precision, endurance, and storytelling.
Modern Taiko ensembles fuse traditional beats with contemporary influences, creating a visceral, thunderous experience. More than music, Taiko is a physical and spiritual expression, where each strike carries the energy of history and innovation, resonating deep within both performer and audience.
Shishimai (獅子舞) – Japanese Lion Dance
A traditional performance that blends music, movement, and mythology. It is performed at festivals, New Year celebrations, and auspicious events to
bring good fortune.
The lion, often accompanied by flutes
(shinobue) and drums (taiko), moves in
dynamic, rhythmic patterns - sometimes
playfully interacting with the audience.
Different regions have unique styles,
from the acrobatic Edo Shishimai of
Tokyo to the richly symbolic Wakayama
Shachu tradition.
SHISHIMAI
Shishimai | Japan Senior Care
Ai Matsuda performing Shishimai (lion dance).
Shishimai | Mt View Buddhist Temple
Ai Matsuda performing at Obon Festival withTaiko.
Sensei & Colleague
Testimonials
“Her flute, taiko and dance technique makes me believe that she will do well at every performance, and she also has great teaching skills to pass onto coming generations.”
KYOSUKE SUZUKI,
Sensei and Artist | Edo Satokagura Wakayama Shachu
Edo-bayashi | Edo Kotobuki Jishi
“Very few people have attained her expertise in this field. Since she is bi-cultural and bi-lingual, she acts as a bridge between the USA and Japan.”
KENNY ENDO,
Artistic Director
Taiko Center of the Pacific (Honolulu, Hawaii)
“[Her] spectrum of education sets up Ai as an excellent ambassador of the traditional arts for American students who are looking for a connection to the roots of traditional Japanese arts.”
DIANA WU,
Founder and Director
Naruwan Taiko (San Diego, California)
“She is an important asset as we have limited access to the masterful artists in Japan.”
JENNIFER CABALLERO,
Director
Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko (Las Vegas, Nevada)
“As a practitioner and instructor of all aspects of shishimai, Ai Matsuda [is] a tremendous asset to the cultural and arts community.”
PAUL SAKAMOTO,
Director
Puna Taiko (Puna, Hawaii Island)
Hear the Captivating
Heartbeat of Ai's Artistry.
Contact Ai Matsuda for a consultation, availability, or other inquiries.