Grete Moortgat studied taiko in Japan with Tomoko Igarashi and performed in Tokyo, Yokogawa and on Sado for Kodo's One Earth-festival.  When she returned in Belgium in 1995, she founded the first taiko academy in Belgium.  The academy now houses over more than 150 students and 3 performing groups.  The semi-professional group Feniks Taiko is considered to be one of the top taiko groups in Europe.  Grete Moortgat is the ambassador of taiko in Europe.  Taiko artists from around the world contact her to discuss Europe-related taiko matters.