Joji Hirota
Joji Hirota (PRS)Composer, Taiko drummer, multi-percussionist, Shakuhachi player and singer
Selected Albums
Latest Tracks
4 Bu 6 Ku Bayashi3417/1Powerful & frenetic taiko drumming with additional intertwining percussion rhythms & loud vocal shouts3:05244 BPM- Futsu Nushi3417/2Quick-fire taiko drumming with metallic, sword-like rhythms & vocal yells throughout2:39270 BPM
- Go Ryou E3417/3Slow & processional percussion rhythms with shakuhachi & vocal chants2:5780 BPM
- Nowaki3417/4Taiko drums pounding traditional ‘mitsu uchi’ rhythms with vocal shouts throughout2:42174 BPM
- Hikiyama Matsuri3417/5Taiko group with vocal shouts, hypnotic drum rhythms & bell percussion. Changes loud/soft dynamic throughout3:2092 BPM
- Ikazuchi3417/6Slow taiko drums erupt into a fast & powerful groove with vocal shouts to simulate the might of thunder & lightning2:20135 BPM
- Pageant III3417/7Traditional Japanese festival music with taiko drums, percussion & shakuhachi (flutes)2:54112 BPM
- Shibu Roku Dance3417/8Traditional shibu roku rhythm played by taiko ensemble with lively group vocal calls3:26168 BPM
The story behind the sound
Born in Otaru, Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, composer, Japanese Taiko Drummer, multi-percussionist, Shakuhachi player and singer Joji Hirota began his percussion and composition studies at Kyoto Arts University. His grounded mastery of percussion and traditional Japanese music and instruments are the trademark signature of his catalogue, sonically summoning his home. In the 1980s, he founded the globetrotting group Joji Hirota and the Taiko Drummers which opened Live Earth in London. Joji acted as percussionist and co-composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Macbeth. He was awarded the Ambassador’s commendation award by the UK Japanese Embassy for his contribution to musical activity outside of Japan in recognition for his achievements in a three-decade long career.
Composer, Taiko drummer, multi-percussionist, Shakuhachi player and singer Joji Hirota’s grounded mastery of percussion and traditional Japanese music are the trademark signature of his catalogue.