Tuned Oke-Daiko “Kanade” Development
Concept & Supervision: Masayuki Sakamoto
Developed in collaboration with Kodo and Asano Taiko Instrument Shop.
Recipient of the 2015 Good Design Award.
Additionally, it was highly praised by the judging committee, selected as one of the Good Design Best 100, and awarded the special prize Good Design – Monozukuri Design (Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Award).
Features
・Independent Left-Right Tuning
By attaching metal fittings directly to the drum body, each side of the drum can be tuned independently—something impossible with traditional drums. This allows for a significantly wider range of expression, especially in solo performances.
・Easy Tuning Operation
Tuning can be done effortlessly by sliding the leather parts attached to the rope.
GOOD DESIGN AWARD
Development of the Electronic Taiko Drum “Taiko-1”
Concept: Masayuki Sakamoto
Masayuki Sakamoto created a proposal and submitted it to Roland, which became the starting point for joint development with Kodo and Roland. Recipient of the 2020 Good Design Award.
Features
・Authentic Taiko Sound
Reproduces the rich tones of traditional taiko drums while also offering a wide variety of electronic sounds. Suitable for performances ranging from classical taiko to contemporary music.
・Silent Design & Portability
The silent design allows for practice in environments where volume is a concern, such as at home. It can also be disassembled for compact storage and easy transport, making it adaptable to any stage or rehearsal space.
Music Contribution for Paris Fashion Week
White Mountaineering – 2025 Autumn & Winter Collection
Provided music for the show. [YouTube link]
Performers: Masayuki Sakamoto, Kohki (guitar), Anna Sato (vocals)
The recording was made using only the Taiko-1 and the TAIKO THUNDER: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION by SONICA INSTRUMENTS for the taiko sounds.
Masayuki Sakamoto also contributed to the creation of the sample rhythms included in TAIKO THUNDER.
Kami-Nari
A trio featuring Tetsuya Kajiwara, former drummer of The Blue Hearts, and Kazunari Abe, former Kodo shinobue (Japanese flute) player.
A powerhouse unit delivering explosive sound through the fusion of traditional Japanese taiko, shinobue, and Western drums, creating an overwhelming blend of Japanese and Western musical elements.
Gendai Sangaku
Featured in NHK Taiga Drama “Hikaru Kimi e” as “Gendai Sangaku, revived after 1,000 years.”
Led by gagaku musician Yutaka Ota, the ensemble includes Takeaki Bunno (shō, piano, violin), Kiyoshi Ohira (saz), Tsunehiro Hayashi (narration), Tomohiro Morita (juggling), with many guest performers.
Known for live performances full of improvisation backed by solid technique, the group incorporates narration and juggling to reimagine the once-lost performing art of Sangaku in a contemporary style.
Their performances often integrate local stories and cultural elements from the regions where they perform, creating a unique and highly talked-about expression.