Art Lee  Founder, Artistic Director

Art Lee first began the study of taiko in 1993 with the Sacramento Taiko Dan, with whom he has since been a featured performer and instructor.  In 1994, he was invited to join one of the world's most famed taiko groups, Za Ondekoza.
He has performed in some of the world's most prestigeous theatres including Aoyama Gekijyo, Suntory Hall, Tonhalle, and Carnegie Hall.

As a soloist, he has won the Unique Prize for Skill and Artistry at both the All-Japan Wadaiko Contest and the Kumamoto Odaiko Championships.

In November, 2001, Art Lee became the first person in the world ever to obtain an artist visa from the Japanese government to teach taiko and lead the life of a professional taiko artist in Japan.

On October 15th, 2005, Art won First Place in the Solo Odaiko section of the most prestigious and renowned taiko contest in the World - The Tokyo International Wadaiko Contest.

In addition to being the Founder and Artistic Director of TOKARA, he is also a performing member of Osuwa Daiko - Ashura-gumi, which is led by Daihachi Oguchi, the person who created the performance style of taiko.

Art also has studied and performed Samul Nori (Korean traditional dance and percussion) and Tam-Tam (Guinean Djembe and percussion).

For information on Art's solo performances, visit http://www.tokara.net/ArtLee