Nen Daiko at Little City Concerts

Resonate: inclusion and belonging in practice

Little City Concerts opens its third season of events with a bang: we are so pleased to welcome Nen Daiko, a taiko ensemble based out of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, VA.  Nen Daiko sees inclusivity and safe space creation not just as values but as operational principles, helping individuals and communities explore and strengthen their sense of self and place in broader society. Nen Daiko implicitly supports this inclusion by using taiko—a historically communal and expressive practice—to build solidarity and offer emotional resonance. 

Taiko ensembles are part of a Japanese musical tradition featuring groups of drummers known for their powerful, dynamic performances that combine drumming, movement, and a strong sense of visual spectacle. Nen Daiko has been wowing audiences in the DC area since 1994, with regular performances at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and other prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the National Theatre.  

Our nonprofit for this event is Hamkae Center. Hamkae Center is a transformative force in empowering and organizing Asian Americans in Virginia to address systemic barriers through policy advocacy, coalition-building, social services, and community engagement to promote equity, justice, and lasting change. From advocating for immigrant justice, reproductive justice, and voting rights to providing essential services like healthcare referrals, small business coaching, and naturalization assistance, Hamkae Center has achieved and continues to win significant victories for Asian Americans across Virginia.