Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996 by Jay Mochizuki along with a number of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. Since its founding, Kaminari Taiko has grown into the premier taiko ensemble in the Gulf South, performing at concerts and festivals from Texas to Tennessee. The professional ensemble reaches thousands of people each year through concerts, festivals, and classes.

In addition to sharing Japanese culture through its performances, Kaminari Taiko also gives back to the community through its Thunderstudies program, which provides educational taiko workshops and free performances at local events.

Kaminari's public awareness and support programs have been recognized by many organizations, including the Consulate General of Japan in Houston, the City of Houston, Camp for All, the Japan America Society, Asia Society, the Japan Business Association of Houston, and the Houston Independent School District.

By fusing traditional instruments with modern rhythms, Kaminari strives to respectfully advance taiko as an art form, and to inspire audiences in Texas and beyond.