Adelaide Fringe 2026
🎟 Tickets (Official Adelaide Fringe)
Samurai Drum IKKI presents “The Power of Japanese Drums”
Dates: Feb 26 – Mar 2, 2026
Adelaide Fringe 2026 Cast
About
Samurai Drum IKKI is a Japanese taiko group led by Ikki Hino, formed with a clear mission:
“Create a powerful ensemble that can rival large groups—even with a small lineup—and bring out the true sound of wadaiko.”
Based in Saitama, Japan, the group has performed both domestically and internationally, delivering dynamic stagecraft, precision rhythm, and the visceral impact that only taiko can create.
Highlights (International & Major Appearances)
- 2004: Launched overseas activities with an all-Ukraine tour—a first for a Japanese taiko group.
- Taiwan Tours (3 times) and Korea Drum Festival (invited for 5 consecutive years).
- Invited to events including Red Bull BC One and Japan Festa 2012 (London).
- Edinburgh Festival / Edinburgh Fringe: Received ★★★★ (4-star) media reviews from UK outlets.
- 2016: Completed a 7-city Poland tour, selling out venues across the tour.
- 2017: 15th Anniversary Tour across 8 prefectures in Japan.
- 2018: National tour for the new production “Oto no Mori”; then paused activities.
- 2024: Returned to the stage after a 6-year hiatus.
History (Timeline)
- July 2002: Founded in Osaka by three members led by Ikki Hino.
- 2004: Taiwan round-island tour (IOV project). First Japanese group to conduct a solo nationwide tour in Ukraine, attracting a total audience of 15,000. Performed at a Korea drum festival.
- 2004: First solo concert in Osaka.
- 2006: Solo concert in Tokyo.
- 2007: 5th Anniversary Concert in Saitama.
- 2010: “Spring in Full Bloom” tour (Tokyo / Saitama / Gunma / Chiba). Performed at Red Bull BC ONE TOKYO 2010 (Yoyogi National Gymnasium).
- 2011: Produced “IKKI’s Drum Festival” in Saitama, bringing together percussion groups.
- 2012: Invited performance at Japan Festa 2012 (London). 10th Anniversary Concert in Saitama.
- 2013: First appearance at the world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe / Edinburgh Festival.
- 2014: Returned for a second consecutive year; received ★★★★ from UK media.
- 2016: Fourth consecutive year at the festival; attracted 3,000+ attendees (their largest to date) and received ★★★★ again. Poland tour (7 cities). Also performed at a UK live venue.
- 2017: Fifth consecutive year at the Edinburgh festival. Finland performances. Poland & Lithuania tour. 15th Anniversary Japan tour (8 prefectures).
- 2018: Embarked on a nationwide tour with the new production “Oto no Mori” (Forest of Sound).
UK Media Reviews (★★★★)
★★★★ British Theatre Guide
“This will prove to be one of the finer taiko groups. It’s well worth catching them here and now.”
Summary (in our words):
British Theatre Guide praised the group’s growing professionalism and stage presence, highlighting their strong promise as a taiko ensemble and recommending the show as a great experience for audiences of all ages.
★★★★ Broadway Baby
“The impressive dance-like drum routines create a tangible energy in the room that can leave the audience breathless.”
Summary (in our words):
Broadway Baby applauded the four-performer lineup for their impressive technique and the physical, dance-like quality of their drumming, describing an intense stage energy that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Contact/Booking
・Booking / Inquiries: info@wataiko-ikki.com
・Based in: Japan (Saitama/Tokyo)
・Available for: Festivals / Theatres / Workshops / Corporate events