Taiko Drummers in Sayama, Japan

This photograph shows a performance by Taiko drummers in Sayama, Japan. The photo was taken during the 2009 mayoral delegation to Sayama, which is Worthington’s sister city.

Taiko drumming is a traditional form of Japanese drumming that has grown in popularity around the world in the last several decades. Drums used are a variety of shapes and sizes, and drummers perform with dramatic, choreographed movements.

Worthington and Sayama have been sister cities since 1999, and through the years have exchanged dozens of delegations, including groups of city officials, residents and school groups. The 2009 mayoral delegation celebrated ten years of the sister-city relationship. During exchanges between the two cities, delegations typically tour a variety of destinations including city offices, schools, libraries and businesses, along with sightseeing and cultural events.