The taiko drum is one of the endearing symbols of Japan and is one that stretches as far back as 14,000 BC. Traditionaly used in plays or to motivate troops in times of war, the modern taiko performance that we see today is only about 50 years old.

On this show I talk to Isaku Kageyama who is two-time National Odaiko (large drum) Champion and is the youngest person to win such honors. He is also the first person to be accepted into a major American music university for playing taiko. I talk to Isaku about the history of taiko, how the Japanese system makes it difficult for younger players to get noticed and how more traditional Japanese music might be headed overseas.

I also talk about my recent live interview with the guys at Bad Communication Podcast where I was the one answering questions and I touch on my recent attempts to keep my apartment warm by blocking out the cold Japanese winter air.