Nagata Shachu

Biography

Nagata Shachu is a Toronto-based taiko ensemble, founded in 1998 by Kiyoshi Nagata, who gives it his name — “shachu” means the group, the troupe. Trained under Daihachi Oguchi, the founder of modern ensemble taiko, and an apprentice with the legendary Kodo in 1993-1994, Kiyoshi Nagata has taught taiko at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music since 1998.

The ensemble's arsenal is impressive: drums of every size, up to the massive O-Daiko, bamboo shinobue flutes, shamisen, gongs and cymbals. Nagata Shachu is the only group outside Japan sponsored by four major Japanese taiko makers. In 2019, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs awarded it his commendation; in 2020, the ensemble was a finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation's Roy Thomson Hall Award.

From Toronto to tours across North America, Italy, Lebanon and Mexico, the ensemble has made Harbourfront Centre its home port — its 28th anniversary season played there in 2025-2026. At Mundial, the drums will resound in the afternoon at the Maison des Arts Participatifs.

Stages and milestones

Founded in Toronto in 1998 by Kiyoshi Nagata · The only ensemble outside Japan sponsored by four Japanese taiko makers · Japan Foreign Minister's Commendation, 2019 · Finalist, Roy Thomson Hall Award (Toronto Arts Foundation), 2020 · Kiyoshi Nagata, Kodo apprentice (1993-1994), has taught taiko at the University of Toronto since 1998 · 28th anniversary season at Harbourfront Centre (2025-2026) · TennoCon 2026 with orchestra, choir and circus (London, Ontario)

Gallery

Calendar

• Thursday, November 19, 2026, 2 p.m. — Mundial Montréal 2026, Maison des Arts Participatifs, Montreal (official showcases)

Show formats

• Ensemble concert — the full power of taiko, from the O-Daiko to bamboo flutes
• Workshops and outreach — taiko initiation for schools and audiences of all ages

On video — their Mundial Montréal 2026 showcase

The official presentation video of Nagata Shachu for Mundial Montréal 2026: Thursday, November 19, 2026 · 2:00 p.m. · Maison des Arts Participatifs, Montreal. Video © Mundial Montréal — provided to Festival TV in the festival's official media kit.