Taiko Drum Experience
Taiko Drum Artist and Main Instructor of Eva Kestner Taiko Drum Academy, Eva Kestner
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Eva was raised by a family of scholars and artists with mixed German and Japanese heritage. From a young age, she learned how to play piano after her father introduced her to classical music, while she simultaneously learned Taiko after her mother introduced her to the Japanese arts. After graduating from the International School of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo, Japan, she attended Cornell University in New York, USA, where she earned a B.A. in Philosophy. While attending Cornell, she joined the Cornell University Percussion Ensemble. The following year, she co-founded the Taiko drumming student organization called Cornell Taiko (YAMATAI), and she was the lead drummer and Musical Director. After graduating from Cornell at the young age of 22, she returned to Japan and started performing professionally. She started her solo career a year later.
Eva is also trained in Japanese folk dance (with a focus on male styles) and has a passion for the street dance, Locking. She joined an Awa dance team affiliated with the prestigious Koenji Awa Dance Association and went on to become one of the top female dancers in Japan.
Today, she brings Japanese taiko drumming and song to a brand new context of pop music and also performs with many distinguished artists, musicians, dancers, and Taiko drummers across multiple genres. Eva not only performs using taiko, she also uses several other instruments that have a distinct flavour of the Japanese environment, including Koto (Japanese Harp), Voice, and Piano. Eva also works in the fields of education. She teaches taiko drumming workshops to both children and adults, and is also involved in humanitarian efforts such as raising awareness for the disabled.
Her music, dynamic performances, and selfless spirit continue to inspire not only her many fans but all who witness her performances all over the world.
In 2023, her original music was published by Harper Collins Publishers, and she was also the cover image of their music textbook. In 2024, her original music was utilised by the Cambridge International Curriculum, used in over 160 countries and 10,000 schools, which sets a global standard for education, and is recognised by universities and employers worldwide.
In 2025, she founded and became the primary instructor of her school, the Eva Kestner International Taiko Drum Academy, in the heart of Tokyo, Japan.
Fair Trade
Tokyo Heritage Partners will conduct business based on the “Fair Trade” policy. We aim to preserve the cultural heritage and encourage young generations to succeed and evolve the tradition. Furthermore, we support our partners to continue their activities with adequate social and economic appreciation.