The Taiko Drum for the World – Norihiko Akagi’s Complete Search and Use
Promoting handcrafted taiko drums practiced sentimentally in the wider world has always been part of JINLEI Music’s mission. At the end of 2024, we got a new friend from Canada, Mr. Norihiko Akagi. Mr. Akagi journeyed with us–an experienced taiko drummer who pursues both sound and craftsmanship at the highest level. His experience illustrates how connection based on quality, transparency and trust is born.
First Encounter and Building Trust
Mr. Akagi first learned about our brand from short, high-quality performance videos on Instagram. He was interested in the drum’s appearance and felt that the sound quality was worthy of attention. With some cautious curiosity, he got in touch. Yet because JINLEI was still virtually unknown in North America, he said frankly: “I’ve never heard of this brand before. I have to do a great deal of research before placing an order.”
He meticulously researched the product–visiting our website, studying specifications, and consulting friends in the taiko community. Throughout this period, we maintained a frank and responsive correspondence, fielding all of his questions right down to the minutest detail: from wood selection and structure design to surface finishing and sound characteristics.
For example, when he was particularly interested in “Suri Urushi” lacquer technique, we furnished him real-life photographs of custom drum stands we had made for a Japanese artist, Mr. Kimura. Details such as these gradually gained his trust.
From First Order to Delivery
In late 2024, Mr. Akagi placed his first official order: a 3-shaku hira-oshime daiko paired with our Yagura vertical stand designed for big-time performance. We included two pairs of Hinoki cypress drumsticks (bachi) as well as a commemorative quality certification card.
Due to the Suri Urushi lacquer and the reinforced stand structure production process took a little longer than usual. Coupling this with the North American shipping peak season, we needed to monitor all parts of logistics carefully. The shipment was then trans-shipped to Calgary by rail for customs clearance, where it began its slow and winding journey across Canada.
Almost four months later, Mr. Akagi, in particular, had shown infinite patience and tolerance.
He told us: “I know what you’re doing is very earnest. Don’t rush anything on my account. Please wait.”
Arrival, Unboxing the Drum, and the First Sound
It was spring 2025 when the drum finally arrived at Mr. Akagi’s place. In his studio, he made an entire unboxing and first-play video which was then published on Instagram as well as YouTube.
Instagram: @noriakagi
Youtube under the title “Unpacking and first hit on ‘Hira O Shime Daiko’ from Jinlei Music“
Social mediawise, this was written: “This time, a 3 shaku hira-oshime daiko and its Yagura stand came to me in June after four months. The sound is great! Lisa and Team JINLEI were so polite–they provided an absolutely perfect service environment.
This brand I had never heard of, so making such a great order took some courage.
Experience and promotion intention
They carefully guided me. The drum is simply beautiful.” This kind of feedback moved every one of us in our hearts. Experience and Sales Willingness Following this unboxing, Mr. Akagi posted several photos on social media and, after a few days of play, sent us the following message:
“Canada does not have any taiko drum manufacturers. I will recommend JINLEI to my friends in the same line of business with great pleasure.”
Such encouragement is our whole world. JINLEI is pleased to have been able to grow from Fujian to both domestic and foreign markets, thanks to trust and support from users like Mr. Akagi.
2nd Order: Okedo
After he received his first drum and checked the quality, Mr. Akagi immediately placed a second order through our Web site: a 1. 4-shaku okedo daiko with purple rope, designed especially for katsugi-style shoulder playing.
We give him a bonus: a set of spare rope in addition to another shipment and promise to weigh the drum exactly after production so our partner companies can be assured of meeting their own performance requirements accurately.
He wrote in the e-mail acknowledging our order:
“You are the best.” Following this, he plans to make a studio recording soon and have the opportunity to introduce JINLEI to even more people.
Conclusion: Partnership of Trust
Mr. Akagi ‘s story with JINLEI is more than an international transaction– it is a shared trust, honest communication and the pursuit for sound quality. And a journey in which both sides develop.
When a new product line–a brand without local representation in other words — comes into a market as discerning and sophisticated as that of taiko drums, we know that customers not merely want good things. More often than not they also ask for reassurance, friendship, and reliability.
With every act and in all our daily contacts we work to provide that reassurance.
If you would like to see Mr. Akagi’s story for yourself, go to his social media platforms:
Instagram: @noriakagi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nori_7D_Music
We believe that a great taiko drum is capable of speaking for itself–and can transcend cultures, languages and national borders in order to become just such a pure bridge of connection among people.
— The JINLEI Music Team
