Yamabe Taishi
Taiko Performer, composer, producer

Born in 1988 in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, grew up surrounded by the sound of Taiko, hereafter, “Japanese drum” performed by his father, and that of piano by his mother.

He has been practicing Taiko from 3 years old, and his first performing on stage was only at the age of 6 years old.

In 2004 he took part in Tokyo International Wa Taiko contest Big Taiko category, and he was awarded Best performance award as the youngest winner as ever.
So, he got attention as the title of "once-in-a-half century talent.

With a unique sense of rhythm and outstanding technical skills, he has garnered great attention.

His activity is not only Japanese Taiko but also he actively jumped into music industry and started collaborating together with many Japanese representative music performers such as Hiroshi Itsuki, Fuyumi Sakamoto, KYARY PAMYU PAMYU, and SPYAIR.
He appeared on stage of Fuerza Bruta performed in Japan under the name of “WA!”, this Fuerza Bruta stage drew audiences totaling 5,000,000 people in 30 countries. This stage “WA!”had a long run of about 400 times, and fascinated a lot of audiences.

He released Album “TAISHI” in March 2019.

He has widened his musical activity by producing the stage of “Pantarei” in 2023, “Mebaeizuru”of Iyasaka Project and other stages in addition to his performances.

He has created Japanese pop music including Taiko sound, and been pursuing Taiko’s new aspects and probability, then remaining wonderful Japanese songs along with creating Japanese performing state. He is the one of the best Japanese Taiko performers and creators that Japanese should be proud of.