ABOUT
WALAKADO
Japanese Taiko Drumming
WALAKADO Japanese Taiko Drumming in Melbourne
WALAKADO delivers taiko classes, workshops and performances across Melbourne, Victoria, for kids, adults, schools and corporate events.
WALAKADO was established in 2024 as the next chapter of Taikokoro Inc., bringing our Melbourne taiko activities under one unified name.
The name “WALAKADO” comes from the Japanese proverb “Warau kado niwa fuku kitaru", meaning good fortune comes to those who smile. Originally the name of founder and taiko performer Ayako’s all-female taiko group in Japan, WALAKADO carries that spirit forward, creating uplifting experiences for both drummers and audience in Melbourne, Australia.
What we offer
: Taiko Classes (Kids, Adults, Beginners)
: Workshops (Schools, Community, Special events)
: Performances (Festival, Corporate events, Celebrations)
: School incursions and interactive programs
WALAKADO also manages Australia Miyake Kai, officially recognised by the Miyakejima Geino Doushikai (Japan), supporting the preservation and sharing of the dynamic Miyake Taiko tradition across Australia and New Zealand.
Ready to get started？
Book a trial class or enquire about a performance.
Ayako Tsunazawa
Ayako Tsunazawa is the founder of WALAKADO and a Melbourne-based Japanese taiko performer, instructor, and workshop facilitator. With over 30 years of taiko experience, she refined her fundamentals at Mirai Taiko Dojo in Tokyo.
In Japan, Ayako co -founded the all-female taiko group "Walakado(Japan), pursuing a distinctive sound and strong stage presence rooted in community connection. The group received the Avon Products Women's Empowerment Grant in 2005. The Japan-based group is currently on hiatus, and Ayako has carried the name and spirit forward into her Melbourne-based project, WALAKADO(Melbourne).
Ayako began her Miyake Taiko journey in 1997 under the mentorship of Miyakejima Geino Doushikai(Japan), a relationship she continues to honour today. In 2011, she established Australia Miyake Kai, dedicated to promoting and preserving Miyake Taiko across Australia and New Zealand.
Since relocating to Australia in 2007, Ayako has remained deeply engaged in taiko through performance, education, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Her work includes：
＊Delivering Japanese taiko workshops and school incursions (performances & workshops)across Melbourne and regional Victoria
＊Facilitating corporate team-building workshops and Japanese cultural programs
＊Forming the Japanese traditional instrument and taiko duo "A.YA"
＊Inviting professional taiko artists from Japan to lead workshops and concerts in Australia
＊Organising and leading ”Taiko Trip" tours to Japan
＊Serving as President of Taikokoro Inc.(WALAKADO's predecessor organisation)
＊Producing and delivering the Australia & New Zealand Taiko Conference(ANZTC)2022
＊Launching kids and adult taiko classes in 2024 under the WALAKADO name
In 2022, Ayako obtained EXADON Facilitator certification (Certification No.11)and offered selected programs integrating taiko-based rhythm movement to support wellbeing, including dementia-prevention focused activities. She also holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, enabling safe, age-appropriate delivery across learning environments.
Ayako is known for inclusive, well-structured programs that build confidence and connection, whether on stage or in hands-on sessions. Through WALAKADO, she continues to share the power of Japanese taiko drumming and create uplifting experiences for performers and audiences alike.
Booking & enquiries: Click Say Hello to request a quote or find the right program for your event.