LA Mugen Taiko

LA Mugen Taiko (formerly Nakama Daiko) was established in 2014 under the direction of Tomomi Hongo. Etsuo Hongo Sensei, Tomomi's father, passed away in the Fall of 2019 and as a way to continue his legacy, the group changed their name to Los Angeles Mugen Taiko (夢元太鼓) to honor Hongo Sensei’s life work of taiko. The group's dream is not only to continue his legacy but to also blend in the styles of the next generation of taiko players. They strive to share the art of taiko with communities across Los Angeles.  Most of the group began playing taiko at El Marino Language School in Culver City with their taiko group, El Marino Rainbow Taiko created by Etsuo Hongo.  LA Mugen Taiko has performed at various events ranging from Obon Festivals, CicLAvia, FandaObon, The Art and Study of Taiko, and BIPOC Voices led by the Culver City Justice Coalition.