Sansho Daiko is a Vancouver-based taiko group that can trace its roots directly to the birth of taiko in Canada, while integrating Japanese-trained members. With a shared love of experimentation and exploration, Sansho Daiko seeks to break the mould, cook up some spicy fusion dishes, and infuse the west coast taiko scene with a little heat.
What is Sansho?
Sansho pepper, known as kona-zanshō in Japanese, is a spice used in both Korean and Japanese cooking. It comes from the peppercorns of the Japanese pepper plant also known as the Japanese prickly ash. Sansho is one of the ingredients that make up shichimi togarashi, the seven-spice powder often added to Japanese noodle dishes to kick things up a notch. While taiko feeds the soul, it doesn’t feed the body, so we have collected some recipes using sansho as an ingredient to get your appetite going!
What is taiko?
Taiko is a Japanese word that means “big drum.” It is said that in ancient Japan, the size of a village was determined by how far away one could hear the village taiko. Other uses included calling for rain in times of drought, drumming soldiers onto the battlefield and giving thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. Taiko was brought to North America in the sixties by Seiichi Tanaka, who formed the San Francisco Taiko Dojo. Other groups soon followed and there are now many groups spread out across the United States and Canada.
What is Sansho Daiko?
The members of Sansho Daiko come from a variety of backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of experience. Individual members have played with other taiko groups including Katari Taiko, Uzume Taiko, Chibi Taiko, Steveston Tera Taiko, Gold Buddha Monastery Taiko and Tokidoki Taiko. Several new members were born and raised in Japan. Having studied taiko in their home country they bring with them a different perspective and lived experience as taiko players.