EITETSU HAYASHI, a Hiroshima native, started his Taiko carrier as a founding member and the premier performer of the world-renowned groups "SADO-ONDEKOZA" and "KODO". After leading these companies for eleven years, EITETSU became independent in 1982.

As the first Taiko soloist of his kind, EITETSU created a new method of soloing "O-Daiko" performance requiring techniques and physical stamina previously unknown in traditional Japanese "Taiko" playing. Using a unique combination of Taiko drums, he created and performed original music, and as a pioneer of a countless succession of entirely new experimental musical endeavors, he created and performed his works in numerous concerts at home in Japan and abroad.

In 1984 EITETSU made his Carnegie Hall debut with the American Symphony Orchestra, no less than debuting a new musical genre in the West. Since that time, he has continuously performed throughout Japan and the world, including North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

EITETSU has performed and collaborated with artists in Jazz, Rock, World Music, Classical, Dance and Butoh, ranging from Djembe Percussionist, Mamady Keita to avan-garde pianist, Yosuke YAMASHITA.

In recent years, EITETSU has increasingly played as a soloist with the world’s top orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Seiji OZAWA (1969, 1999) and the Berkin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kent NAGANO (2000). The latter performance, held at Waldbune in Berlin, was attended by the audience of more than 20,000, erupting to a standing ovation that was broadcast around the world.

In the 20th anniversary year of his work as a solo performer, EITETSU gave a U.S. our “The Wings of Flightless Birds 2002”, to a great acclaim. EITETSU also has produced artistic events in Japan and has composed music for movies, plays, and other Taiko groups under his instruction. He has published mot only music but also many essays and a very successful book entitled “To the Taiko Players of Tomorrow (Ashita no Taiko0uchi e)”.

EITETSU artistic activities and contributions have been so highly appreciated that he received the prestigious Japanese national cultural award, "The 47th Education Minister's Art Encouragement Prize" in the Popular Entertainment Division in 1997, and received the 8th Award for Promotion of Traditional Japanese Culture (Japan Arts Foundation)“ in 2001.