Meet Our People

Toshi Sakamoto

Born in 1959 in Kumamoto, Japan, Toshi Sakamoto has devoted his life to the art of Japanese drumming (wadaiko) and its advancement across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

In 1987 Toshi co-founded a taiko conservation group, the “Rindo Daiko Association” in Kumamoto, and began to perform. He received training from Takashi Fukuda, a percussionist with the Kumamoto Philharmonic Orchestra, and received intensive lessons and training from Ondekoza’s Yuu Imafuku as well as various well-known taiko teams in the area. Toshi also participated in the start-up of the Kumamoto Castle Taiko group.

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In 1995, Toshi arrived in Australia for the first time as a voluntary member of a Japanese cultural exchange team. He worked for nine months on cultural activities centred around taiko performance. In 1996, he was invited back to the same position. He settled in Australia in the same year, and established Melbourne’s first ever professional taiko training classes. The advanced students from these classes went on to join Toshi and Junko Sakamoto who formed the formal performing ensemble of Wadaiko Rindo.

Junko Sakamoto

Born in Minatama, Kumamoto, Japan, Junko Sakamoto started playing an active part in Kumamoto Rindo Taiko Conservation Club in 1995. In 1997 she moved to Melbourne and joined her husband Toshi in teaching taiko classes and taking part in taiko performances. Junko is a much-loved member of the Wadaiko Rindo family.

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Her enthusiasm and smiles are infectious and the energy she brings to her performances is like a tangible aura that delights the team and audiences.

Wadaiko Rindo Performers

The Wadaiko Rindo Performing Group is comprised of the founding members of Wadaiko Rindo and experienced performers who have been selected from the pool of regular students. On the occasions of festivals and larger public events, the Purple Performers are joined by students who give their exciting brand of energy, infecting audiences with rhythms and smiles.

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Wadaiko Rindo has performed across Australia at many concerts, festivals and private events, and also travelled further afield for performances overseas. The most notable performances were in Tonga, China, Fiji, New Caledonia and Japan.

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With a focus on traditional taiko styles, the group most frequently performs wearing traditional clothing. The performances are spectacular visual displays of stamina, strength and humour, with vibrations produced on stage energising the whole audience.

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Dubbed the ‘Purple Performers’, they are given the signature purple Rindo happi (jacket) and represent Wadaiko Rindo at concerts and festivals in across Australia and overseas.