User:31N2024/sandbox/Taiko at EPCOT

Starting in 1993, Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, offers live taiko performances at the Japan Pavilion in the park. In 1993, One World Taiko became the first group to perform taiko at Epcot, consisting of Gary Tsujimoto and Nancy Ozaki, and was eventually joined by Matsuriza, who perform at Epcot to this day.

History
In 1992, Gary Tsujimoto of One World Taiko was approached by an associate of Epcot entertainment and invited to perform full time at Epcot. After discussing with his wife and performing partner, Nancy Ozaki, Gary and Nancy decided to quit their jobs as a software engineer and school teacher, respectively, to audition in February of 1993, and then immediately signed on to a full time contract afterwards.

In 1997, Epcot added Matsuriza, a professional drum troupe originating from Tokyo, Japan, to split time with One World Taiko, and later that year, One World Taiko resigned from their position at Epcot to pursue opportunities in taiko elsewhere. Matsuriza has continued performing as the sole taiko performing group at Epcot since.