Taiko is the most popular Asian instrument in America. There are more than a hundred taiko groups across the country, classes for kids and adult beginners, festivals, newsletters, even online stores.

Composer Miya Masaoka has started playing the "Laser Koto," a futuristic version of the traditional Japanese stringed instrument, the Koto, that's been around since the 8th century. Masaoka outfitted ...