Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Kenny Endo stands at the forefront of modern taiko, blending traditional Japanese rogations with contemporary percussion to create a dynamic, world-spanning sound. Born on April 2, 1953 in Los Angeles, California, Endo became a trailblazer as the first non-Japanese national to receive a natori (stage name/license) in hogaku hayashi, marking a historic milestone in Japanese classical drumming. He leads two influential groups—Taiko Center of the Pacific (TCP) and the Kenny Endo Contemporary Ensemble—while TCP also operates the Taiko Center of the Pacific school, shaping the next generation of taiko artists. Endo’s career spans collaborations with iconic performers, soundtrack work for major films, and celebrated media appearances that brought taiko to PBS audiences and beyond. This page highlights his biography, discography highlights, and a multi-date 50th Anniversary tour that showcases his enduring influence across the United States.