Yamataiko was founded in 2013 in Idaho Falls. They have performed at many occations in Idaho Falls, Pocattello and Boise.

Their director, Janet Youngblood was the founder of Manhattan Taiko in New York. After retiring, she relocated to Idaho Falls and organized a new Taiko group and has been performing regularly. 

Takako began to learn Buyo, Japanese traditional dance, when she was 2 at Fujima School in Osaka and was given a professional performance name 藤間 禄舞寿Fujima Rokumaijyu at the age of 17.

She has been active with Portland State University's English Kabuki projects. She provided choreography and instruction for The Revenge of the 47 Loyal Samurai -忠臣蔵- in 2016 and The Castle Tower -天守物語- & The Puppeteer -傀儡師- in 2017 .

Boise Shishimai team inherited the tradition from Noshiro city in Akita, Japan.

The story was told "When a traveling performer became sick in Noshiro city, he was nursed by the local villagers. When he recovered, he taught them the Shishimai dance." 

The purpose of the dance is to vanquish demons and celebrate the prosperity of the village. 

Emmett lived in Okinawa for 2 years. During that time, he fell in love with the sound of the Shamisen and Sanshin. He learned how to play and sing the Okinawan folk songs.  Emmett performed on many occasions, won contests in Japan and US.  In 2014, He earned Sanshin certification in Okinawa.

He will perform with Michelle Ricks or the exchange student Rimi Sato.