Kitamada is a drumming group dedicated to playing traditional Hachijo daiko, a unique style of Japanese drumming originating on Japan's Hachijo Island. The group was first formed in the spring of 2002 by a handful of Hachijo daiko enthusiasts under the guidance of instructor Yoshio Endo.Since most of the original Kitamada members had little experience with this vastly different drumming style, they would gather regularly to explore the unique rhythm and discover the heart of Hachijo daiko. The beat still goes on to this day at the Higashi Jujo Kumin Center in Tokyo. Come join Kitamada and feel the heartbeat of Hachijo daiko for yourself!

 

Everyone in Kitamada has an equal say. It is a member-run group operating under the guidance of Yoshio Endo.

 

So What Does Kitamada Mean?The group's name, Kitamada, comes from an interjection typically shouted out by one of the two players beating either head of the drum in traditional Hachijo daiko fashion. It's something you really have to hear for yourself, so drop by while we're practicing and give a listen (or better yet, pick up a pair of sticks and get in the mix yourself).

When the group first came together, it didn't have a name. Eventually the members decided that it should be called something and bounced around a few possibilities. After giving it much thought, they finally decided on calling it simply Kitamada!

 

Please contact Kitamada by email if you'd like to come by and watch or participate in a practice session. E-mail

 

Suggested reading to learn more about Hachijo daiko:Drum Songs: The Intoxicating Music of Hachijojima by Tony McNicol (PDF document)