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
2026 DATES TIME LOCATION EVENTS
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May (All) 10:00 AM Plaza Punchbowl Fridays - Resident Taiko Classes
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May (All) 1:00 PM Ho'ala School Fridays - Student Taiko Classes
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May (All) 10:00 AM Washington Middle School TCP - Shishimai (dance) Classes
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May 15 1:00 PM Ho'ala School Students' Talent Show
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May 16 6:00 PM Las Vegas, NV LV Kaminari Taiko Anniversary Concert
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May 23 9:00 AM Haleiwa Beach Park Memorial Day Program
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May 24 7:00 PM Private Location Private Event
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May 30 5:30 PM Private Location Private Event
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May 31 12:15 PM Private Location Private Event
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May 31 2:30 PM TBD Ei Ja Nai Ka Workshop
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June (All) 10:00 AM Plaza Punchbowl Fridays - Resident Taiko Classes
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June 6 4:00 PM Hawaii's Plantation Village Waipahu Plantation Bon Dance
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June 12 6:00 PM Japanese Cultural Center of HI Nijikai Fundraiser
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June 13 10:00 AM The Plaza at Waikiki Taiko Performance for Residents
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June 14 5:00 PM Kalakaua Avenue Pan-Pacific Festival Parade
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June 16 8:30 AM Mililani Rec Center 5 Tiny Tots Program Shishimai Demo
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June 19 7.30 PM Private Location Private Event
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June 20 9:55 AM Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii UJSH Installation
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June 20 7.30 PM Private Location Private Event
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June 28 12:30 PM Private Location Private Event
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July (All) 10:00 AM Plaza Punchbowl Fridays - Resident Taiko Classes
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July 4 10:00 AM Plaza Punchbowl Taiko Performance for Residents
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July 10-11 7.30 PM Koboji Shingon Mission Koboji Bon Dance
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July 17-18 8:00 PM Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission Ryusenji Bon Dance
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July 31 5:30 PM Wahiawa Botanical Garden Twilight Concert Series 2026
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August (All) 10:00 AM Plaza Punchbowl Fridays - Resident Taiko Classes
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August 15 2:00 PM Wahiawa District Park Wahiawa Pool Ceremony
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September 19 6:30 PM Mililani Walmart Badges and Buckets
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November 7 2:00 PM Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission Shikata Ga Nai Event
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November 14 11:00 AM Mango Street Grill Veteran's Day Luncheon
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.