Yorokobi Taiko

written by Steve Yamaguma (1974)

Translating as “Happy Drums,” this piece is an up-tempo polyrhythmic composition that demonstrates the lighter feel of the taiko.

Yorokobi Taiko was San Jose Taiko’s first original composition. Composed by founding performing member Steve Yamaguma, Yorokobi Taiko has been part of San Jose Taiko’s core repertoire for 50 years. This simple piece allows for the performers to express their ki (energy) by interacting with their fellow performers as well as the audience. San Jose Taiko has chosen to release this piece under our More Taiko song sharing initiative with the blessing of Steve Yamaguma’s family as a way to honor his legacy and contribution to San Jose Taiko and the San Jose Asian American arts community following his passing in spring 2023.

Want to learn Yorokobi Taiko? Please see the guidelines on learning/performing/teaching SJT More Taiko! songs.

Note: The arrangement performed in both versions above is what San Jose Taiko refers to as “2-1-2.” This means the josuke (chudaiko) players, play 2 times through the four pattern melody in unison, 1 time through “phasing” (each person starting the melody on a different pattern), and 2 times through the melody with movement/switching drums in lieu of playing pattern A. 2 unison, 1 phasing and 2 movement, thus 2-1-2. We’ve performed this song with countless number combinations and encourage you to do the same and figure out the sequence that feels best for your group.

Yorokobi Taiko notation

Song notation and sticking - PDF

Yorokobi Taiko fue part
(fue notation coming soon)