DJ Koku

Ecstatic Dance Fukuoka

Japan

About DJ Koku

Koku is a Japanese multi-instrumentalist, DJ and Sound creator. His performance is a hybrid of electronic and live instruments.

He was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Primarily self taught, he grew up playing sports and later became a drummer in rock bands. After a few years of playing drums, he began exploring other instruments such as guitar, bass, djembe and didgeridoo.

While traveling the world, Koku bought a Hang drum (handpan) in Spain in 2017. From there, he traveled to over 20 countries busking with his handpan to make a living. For one year, he led a nomadic life playing music in various countries.

In 2018, Koku came to Vancouver, Canada and was so impressed by the natural beauty that he decided to stay for a long period.

He has performed for Powell Street Festival, which is the biggest Japanese festival, for 6 years in a row, The Artists for Conservation Festival for 4 years in a row and Arts in the Garden for 3 years in a row. Also, he signed a contract with North Vancouver Recreation & Culture and provided 3 songs for Northway Games. Since 2023, he has also started a career as a DJ. He performed for Enliven Wellness Festival, Revel Music Festival and a number of local events.

Koku left Canada and traveled to Central America in 2024. He provided musical services for Sundance x Moondance in Mexico City, Ecstatic Sunday in Mazunte and Espiritu Wellness in Tulum, as well as Plantasia Cafe in Mexico City and Kula Maya in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. His music has reached not only stages but also the streets. He went busking in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua! The total number of countries where he has busked, so far, has reached 30.

He returned to Japan in 2025 after living abroad for 11 years. Since then, he has performed at various events, including Gaia Music Festival in Shiga which is the biggest psytrance musical festival in Japan, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Fukuoka, and multiple events in Tokyo, Chiba, Hyogo and Osaka. He also founded Ecstatic Dance Fukuoka and currently organizes monthly events in Fukuoka and across Japan…. and now at the Balispirit Festival.