A Thunderous Tradition at Epcot
In Japanese, “Taiko” means “great drum.” These traditional drums have echoed through temples, festivals, and ceremonies for generations. At Epcot, they were brought to life through Matsuriza, the talented Taiko drummers who performed at the Japan Pavilion.
From 1998 through 2020, their powerful rhythms became a familiar sound along World Showcase Lagoon—you could hear the pulse of their performance before you even saw them.
A Performance That Moved the Crowd
The Matsuriza drummers didn’t just play—they told stories. Each beat carried energy, purpose, and cultural heritage. Their synchronized movements and thundering rhythm brought guests to a stop, creating one of the most dynamic live shows at Epcot.
During a summer day in 2015, I had the chance to record one of these unforgettable performances. Looking back, the performance feels even more special knowing the group’s final show took place on March 15, 2020.
A Changing Skyline and Soundscape
As Epcot undergoes a multi-year transformation, performances like Matsuriza remind us of the beauty in its original design. At the start of the video, take a close look at the skyline. Much has changed, but the echo of the drums still lingers.
I’m happy to report, the Matsuriza Drummers have returned to Epcot’s World Showcase, here is the updated Show.
