The Frankston Taiko Drumming Group was formed just over 3
years ago when Toshi Sakamoto, Melbourne’s best-known taiko group Wadaiko
Rindo’s leader, came to Frankston High School to teach our first lesson. We
started with the basics of taiko drumming – how to hold the bachi (drum
sticks), stance and body position, arm movements and simple drumming patterns
and rhythms.
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| Our first taiko lesson with Toshi Sakamoto - Sunday 28th June 2023 |
In the years since, the group has performed at the Australian
Fair in our sister city of Susono, practiced using gomi daiko (rubbish
bin drums) made by the group thanks to the generous support from Frankston
Bunnings, run numerous Bunnings Sausage Sizzles which have raised funds to
purchase our own set of taiko drums and other equipment, conducted Come ‘N’ Try
workshops at Ballam Park, Frankston Bunnings and for the St Johns Ambulance
group at the Ebdale Community Centre, started a Taiko Club at Overport Primary
School, and performed at numerous other community and school events including
our own Japanese Festival held in early August 2025.
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| Come 'N' Try at Ballam Park using gomi daiko |
By far our largest public performance occurred on Friday 31st
July when the group attended Kinetic Park to play at the
Frankston Dolphins’ home game against Port Melbourne. Eight members of our
taiko group performed 2 pieces on the oval before drumming as the Frankston
team ran onto the ground and then joined the crowd on the Plowman Place wing.
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| Frankston Taiko members performing on the ground |
The original aim was to play the drums after each Frankston
goal, but that soon changed to celebrating any time a Frankston player marked,
tackled or kicked the ball inside their forward line. The atmosphere and vibe
was amazing and the group thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
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| Frankston team led out by Noah Gown in his 100th VFL game! |
During the night we were joined by one of the students
visiting Derinya Primary School from Susono City with 9 other Year 6 to 8
students, plus his host family and friends, and also students from Overport
Primary School. There were also children in the crowd who joined to play along
with the group. The feedback from people in the crowd was also very positive
and complimentary – we had apparently created a great atmosphere for the
players and crowd!
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| Japanese visitors Keito and Rio joined the group to play |
And thankfully, the Frankston team had a great win! The team
also showed their appreciation as they left the ground and the feedback from
club officials, including Commercial Lead Adrian Lloyd, was greatly
appreciated. We’ve been invited back, and the club is keen to secure our participation
at future home fixtures!
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| Group members wore a Frankston Dolphins jumper under our Susono happi coats |
