Japanese performing arts collective

The NAE Project brings together performers from across Canada to celebrate and share vibrant Japanese festival traditions. Featuring the energetic rhythms of taiko drumming, traditional Japanese flutes, and dance, the NAE Project offers a dynamic experience that introduces audiences throughout Canada to the rich heritage of Japanese culture. Through these engaging performances, the NAE Project aims to foster greater appreciation and understanding of these unique traditions.

“Vibrant”

“…professional and courteous…building bespoke performances tailored to our brand!”

“The cherry on top was their wonderful outfits, that complimented our aesthetic!”

– Melodie Du Ly

Administrative Manager – Chotto Matte

“Disciplined”

“The performance was great! Kokichi-san and team arrived on time and had everything set up for the performance.”

“He was also very interactive with the crowd, inviting people to try out the drum.”

– Minh Vu

Marketing Coordinator – Kinka Family

“Dynamic”

“The NAE Project are complete professionals that have been used at our event opening for several years!”

“Their drumming performance added much excitement to our event!”

– Nancy Kwon

Head of Communications & Marketing – Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers

Invite The NAE Project to your event

Transform your event into a vibrant celebration with The NAE Project, specialists in the rich art of Japanese Taiko drumming. Our performances blend powerful rhythms, movement, and captivating melodies to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a corporate function, community festival, or private party, we bring a dynamic and immersive atmosphere through our engaging crowd interactions and authentic Japanese traditions.

Inquires and Bookings

Performance Highlights

2026

March 21-22

Yorkminster Baptist Church, Toronto; Regent Theatre, Oshawa, Ontario

Rejoice in the Lamb 2026

Kokichi performed with the Orpheus Choir and orchestra in their presentation of Rejoice in the Lamb featuring Requiem, by Karl Jenkins featuring the Shakuhachi. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)

https://orpheuschoirtoronto.com/

2025

Aug 22

ANAC, St. Thomas, Ontario

ANAC Factory Opening 2025

The NAE Project had the honour of joining ANAC in St. Thomas, Ontario to celebrate the opening of a brand new manufacturing facility. We wish them all the best and much prosperity!

2025

July 19

Bell Park Amphitheatre, Sudbury, Ontario

Japan Festival Sudbury 2025

The NAE Project returned to Sudbury’s popular Japan Festival main stage to perform. This year we featured new acts from Sofu no Nikkiden – Yama Ichigo, Tengu no Shiren and Sukiyaki.

https://japanfestivalsudbury.ca/

2024

Nov 30

Hitachi Celebration, Toronto, Ontario

Hitachi Rail Celebration 2024

Private celebration and performance to celebrate the significant investment and partnership of Hitachi Rail in Toronto’s local rail infrastructure.

2024

July 20

Bell Park Amphitheatre, Sudbury, Ontario

Japan Festival Sudbury 2024

The NAE Project returned to Sudbury’s popular Japan Festival main stage to perform once again, including the infamous lion dance and providing accompaniment for the omikoshi.

https://japanfestivalsudbury.ca/

2023

May 5

Harbourfront Centre Theatre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Nae – The Rice Seedling: World Premiere

The NAE Project, with a cast of 16 performers, premiered the feature musical and theatrical production ‘Nae – the rice seedling’ written and directed by Kokichi Kusano, at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre in Toronto.

For more information on Nae – The Rice Seedling, click here.

2023

July 22

Bell Park Amphitheatre, Sudbury, Ontario

Japan Festival Sudbury 2023

The NAE Project returned to Sudbury’s popular Japan Festival main stage to perform ohayashi music.

https://japanfestivalsudbury.ca/

2023

July 14

Toronto, Ontario

Theatre Out of the Shadows

Collaborating with Toronto’s Shadowpath Theatre to provide a Japanese instrumental musical accompaniment to the ‘lived’ play with excerpts from Sappho to Stein.

https://www.theatreoutoftheshadows.com/