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B C D E F H I J K L M N O P R S T U W Y

ARASHI DAIKO
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA
Arashi Daiko was established in Montreal in 1983. The group has evolved over the years, while maintaining the mission of its founders: to be a community-based group sharing this exciting aspect of Japanese culture with the public at large. Practices are held every Saturday, with additional practice during summer months. Taiko classes are taught every Friday evening, October through June. Arashi Daiko’s repertoire includes traditional pieces and original material created by its members. The practice of taiko can be seen as a metaphor for life; individuals must face life’s many confrontations, overcoming their own obstacles. it is through each member’s personal development that the group may evolve as a collective. Arashi daiko’s core values 1. Appreciation: it is a privilege to play the drums that we have; we greatly appreciate those who have contributed to the group’s establishment. 2. Consideration: We remain individuals, but when acting as a member of Arashi Daiko, we must first consider what is best for the group. 3. Respect: Regardless of etnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or socio-economic backgroup, Arashi Daiko respects each member’s individuality, and asks that all members carry this respect into the group and beyond.

ASAYAKE TAIKO
SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA
Asayake Taiko first got its start at University of California, San Diego when Bobby Koga and Reid Matsuoka began meeting with other students in the spring of 2002.  Over the next two years, the fledgling group set about making their own drums; with the financial support of UCSD, they launched construction on several chudaiko and an odaiko in the garages of devoted members.  Finally, in the spring of 2004, Asayake Taiko debuted with their completed drums at the 3rd Annual Nikkei Student Union Culture Show at UCSD.

Today, Asayake Taiko performs for a widely-varied audience of all ages and backgrounds; events range from on-campus festivals, high school conferences, elementary school cultural fairs, and various university functions.  With the goal of promoting cultural awareness of taiko to the greater San Diego community, Asayake Taiko continues to grow in equipment and members while expanding their song repertoire.

ASHLAND TAIKO
ASHLAND, OREGON
The Taiko program in Ashland began in 2002 when school Music Specialist, Pam Vellutini introduced the Japanese Art form to children at the now closed Briscoe Elementary School.  Parents and members of the community became interested in Taiko through the work of the children and requested classes. There are currently 50 children and adults studying Taiko through both private classes as well as those taught in the school setting. Eight members make up the community performance ensemble.

Ashland Taiko would like to acknowledge Sensei Ikuyo Conant director of Watsonville Taiko for her guidance, teaching and willingness to share her philosophy and compositions.


BOMBU TAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Bombu Taiko is a community-based taiko group founded in 2002 at the Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. Taught by members of the TAIKOPROJECT and named by Rinban Noriaki Ito after the “Bombu” of Buddhist philosophy. Bombu Taiko in its short lifespan has performed throughout Southern California at numerous events and gatherings. “Bombu” loosely translates as “ordinary people” or the “unenlightened masses”, and the joy of playing together is stressed in the group, as well as the Buddhist taiko philosophy developed by Rev. Masao Kodani and Kinnara Taiko, which emphasizes letting go of one’s ego and just having fun.

BROWN TAIKO
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

BUSHIDO KENKYUKAI
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO


CHIKARA DAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Chikara Daiko of Centenary United Methodist church was started in July 1996 with a total of 32 members.  Taught by members of Kinnara Taiko, the group practiced at Senshin Buddhist church and our first performance was for 1,000 people at the Centenary UMC Centennial Celebration in October 1996.

Chikara currently has 11 members, ranging in age from 15 to 50ish.  We average about 15 performances a year which include: annual bazaars and worship services of area churches, local school programs, and assorted community functions within the area. We have made most of our drums and equipment and feel this process is very important to the group’s unity and growth.

We recognize the importance of the “taiko network” and support and participate in any taiko community activities.   We respect our taiko pioneers and peers and have been fortunate to meet many at the NA Taiko Conferences.

Our mission statement: As a group, we hope to be an integral part of Centenary’s second hundred  years; to honor its mission, be a proud member of its family, represent it well and follow its lead as servants of God.

Our vision: Taiko is like the heartbeat, which is universal. It reaches out and connects us all. Through our activities, we reach out and embrace individual members and families in a fellowship. By establishing our identity and expressing our unique heritage, we seek to connect with other faiths, cultures and people through our music.

Chikara is: Allison Cook, Leslie Gray, Brian Kurushima, Denise Kurushima, Grace Kurushima, Walter Nishinaka, Marilyn Nobori, Di Okazaki, Jennifer O’Neill, Heidi Sasaki and Nancy Wong.

Chikara shares in the Kinnara philosophy “it’s not how well you do something that’s important, but that you do it.”

The bottom line: Taiko is fun and we all love to play!

CLOVIS HEIWA TAIKO
CLOVIS, CALIFORNIA
Clovis Heiwa Taiko was formed in January 1998, by a group of families sharing a common love  of the art of taiko. Under the direction of Mr. Mamoru Maseba and Mr. Bob Taniguchi, the group performs at cultural festivals, school events, judo tournaments and special events, such as the Chinatown Jazz Festival. The beauty of taiko for the Clovis group is that the very young and the mature, songs, daughters, mothers and fathers can play together and bridge the generation gap through the creation of music.

Located in Central California, Clovis Heiwa Taiko practices at the United Japanese Christian Church, but is open to people of all religions, races and cultures. The total membership numbers approximately 50 people. All of the drums and stands are made by members of the group. Many members own their own drums and have participated in the construction of it. The costumes are also designed and made by the members.

CRESTONE KAMINARI
CRESTONE, COLORADO

DENVER TAIKO
DENVER, COLORADO
Denver Taiko came into existence in 1976.  It started with the inspiration that one of the original members, Mark Miyoshi received upon seeing the San Jose Taiko Group perform.  He met with some of the members and received some basic drills and warm up patterns.  Mark returned to Denver bursting with enthusiasm to share his taiko experience.  After acquiring a very old taiko drum from the Nijonjin Kai, the group began its journey into becoming a performing group.

Later that same year, the group received its first workshop from Sensei Seiichi Tanaka.  He shared the history of taiko and explained his philosophy with us.  He stressed the importance of “ki” and how without ki, you are not a taiko group, but just a percussive group.  He gave us the power of taiko.  A few months after Sensei Tanaka, the Kinnara Taiko Group, came and shared their Buddhist view of taiko.  Through Sensei Tanaka and Kinnara Taiko we had a strong philosophical and historical perspective of taiko.  With San Jose Taiko we developed our structure.

We have had many rewarding experiences from taiko.  Early on we went to Japan in 1984 to visit several taiko groups.  We were able to commune with O Edo Sukeroku and Sensei Kobayashi, Gojinjo Taiko in Wajima, Kodo on Sado Island, and Tenrikyo Taiko in Tenri.  In 2003 we had extensive workshops with Sensei Yoichi Watanabe of Amanojaku Taiko.  He really helped us refocus our taiko ki.  Our group has attended the last four North American Taiko Conferences.  Each time we come away more energized and convinced that the future of taiko is secure in its youth.  Also special thanks to everyone for letting us perform at the Taiko Ten in 2005!  The time spent networking with other groups and expanding our taiko skills make each trip memorable in and of itself.

For us taiko is a way of expressing pride in our Japanese culture and heritage.  It is our hope that taiko will be perpetuated by future generations. To that end we continue to sponsor and teach a junior group on Sundays.

The junior group has been in existence for about 15 years and we are starting to see some of older kids joining the main group.  Currently the junior group has kids ranging from 8 to 16 with beginning to advanced skill levels.  We hope taiko will continue to grow and serve as a means to discover oneself and appreciate a cultural heritage nurtured by past generations.


EUGENE TAIKO
EUGENE, OREGON

FLORIN HOKKYO TAIKO
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
The Buddhist Church of Florin, in Sacramento, CA has a vital and dynamic taiko group that begin in 1991 as part of a children summer program. The program was popular that is expanded almost immediately, and is now a year-round program. Presently, eight teens form the core of the group and have composed many of their own songs. With several transitions in age, the group’s name changed from the original Kodomo (meaning children) to its present name of Florin Hok-kyo Daiko. In keeping with the Buddhist link to taiko, the name, Hok-kyo, was chosen as it means Dharma Bridge, or bridge to truth. In Buddhism, the ego, or self is no more or less important that all life. Therefore, the drummer, the drum and the sound are equal with the listener. By practicing and performing as a group, a wider understanding of life and its joys develop along with the perfection of rhythm and form. It become a place of shared oneness.

FRESNO BETSUIN GUMYO
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
Captivated by the rhythm and inspired by the power of the drums, the late Harley Tonooka and Gene Sekiya returned home determined to start a Taiko group in Fresno after hearing San Jose Taiko in concert. Both being members of the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple, they began to meet with potential players, contributors and temple officials. After many meetings and a great deal of support, the group was formed in 1987. Reverend Michihiro Honda, the group’s first ministerial advisor, gave this fledging group the name Gumyo-Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Taiko. The name gumyo was chosen for two reasons. GU means together or sharing with and MYO means life; therefore GUMYO means “sharing life together”. Secondly, Gumyo is a mythical two-headed bird in ancient Buddhist writings called Sutras, that teach a lesson about sharing and living in harmony. The group has adopted the stage name, “Fresno Gumyo Taiko”, but retains the original name for official purposes. The original group consisted mostly of junior high school and high school students, with the majority of those original players having gone on to college or to pursue other occupational goals. An adult group was formed in 1992 and a new children’s group or junior group was formed in the latter part of 1994. The group has made most of its instruments from the very beginning to the present and is self-supporting through fundraisers and donations from performances. The group continues to be affiliated with the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple. While the group welcome members from all faith and ethnicity, the majority of its members are Japanese-American who find Taiko an excellent way to express themselves artistically and stay in touch with their cultural heritage.

FUBUKI DAIKO
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

FUKUOKA TAIKO CLUB
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

FURIKAKAE/TAIKO MIX
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
Furikake/TaikoMix is an ensemble of emerging taiko drummers and musicians dedicated to preserving and enlightening Inland Empire residents about North American taiko. Furikake/TaikoMix embraces the spirit of North American taiko while fusing traditional and contemporary musical elements. Through public performance and educational activities, Furikake/TaikoMix hopes to educate Inland Empire residents on the rich history and impact that North American taiko has had on the Asian American community.

FUSHICHO DAIKO
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Taiko is the Japanese word for “great drum”. Fushicho is the word for the mythical Phoenix. Put them together and you have Fushicho Daiko, the Phoenix Drummers.

Deep in the core of every human heart is an instinctive desire to beat a drum. Fushicho Daiko satisfies this eternal yearning in an unforgettable, dramatic way. Their evocative sounds and pulsating rhythms combine to make music one literally feels as well as hears. Primeval and haunting, the music of Fushicho Daiko can truly by a cathartic experience.

Based in Phoenix and founded in 1992, Fushicho Daiko is a 4 person ensemble: Esther Vandecar, Eileen Morgan, Ken Koshio and Marsha Robb. Fushicho Daiko has traveled all across the United States sharing their music with schools, colleges, and communities. They have just returned from their second tour of Japan where they studied and performed with groups in Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Imabari and Seiyo City.

HAYABUSA TAIKO
BOWLING GREEN, OHIO

HIKARI TAIKO
NORWALK, CALIFORNIA
The name “Hikari’ meaning sunshine or brightness,  means playing taiko for the enjoyment, harmony and excitement it brings to them and they hope to radiate some of that excitement to their audiences.

As a performing taiko group, they seek to express their creativity and vitality in the powerful heartbeat of the drums.  Their message is to project love and harmony to their audiences. By combining the rich Japanese tradition of taiko with the dynamic energy of their own expression, they wish to promote cultural education, understanding and holistic wellness, by reaching out to various multi-cultural communities.

Hikari was featured on CNN as a headline news documentary on a taiko group, a television commercial for Primus and televised in the Mrs. Globe International Beauty Pageant.  They were in the motion picture movie “Balls of Fury” released in August of 2007.  Two of their music pieces were credited in the movie.  They have been recognized by the California Endowment Grants Advisory Board and Disneyland Resort Cast Community Funding of the Arts and have won numerous awards in local cities and various parades around the southland.  They celebrate their 25^th anniversary this year in 2009.

HINODE TAIKO
WINNIPED, MANITOBA, CANADA
Hinode Taiko, the first group in Canada east of the Rocky Mountains, was founded in Winnipeg in 1982. The group’s name means “Rising Sun Drums”, but refers more to incredible prairie sunrises (and Hinode’s role in the dawn of taiko in Canadian culture) than to Japan’s traditional symbol. Rather than listing 20 plus years’ worth of performances, mentors and other milestones, we can save trees by noting that Hinode Taiko’s caliber as a performing ensemble has been recognized since 1997, as the only taiko group in Canada to perform at the NATC’s first Taiko Jam, and the first taiko ensemble in North American invited for a repeat performance at Taiko Jam (2003). Hinode’s touring has taken them from Thunder Bay, Ontario to Tokyo and numerous points between. The group’s debut CD “Hinode Taiko”, produced by Winnipeg’s Juno Award-winning Dan Donahue, was released independently in April 2004. Incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 1997, Hinode Taiko’s objectives have always been to learn the art of taiko, to promote taiko through public performances, and to instruct those interested in the art of Japanese drumming. All members have a voice in the decision-making process and are expected to show commitment, respect and responsibility for each other and for the art of taiko. Members joke about being “one big [dysfunctional] family, but we still believe that a sense of belonging together is one of our greatest assets as performers and teachers.

HO ETSU TAIKO
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Ho Etsu Taiko began as a youth group affiliated with Chicago’s Midwest Buddhist Temple.  Our philosophy is to respect and understand the Japanese tradition from which Taiko was born while simultaneously fostering creativity through artistic expression.  Whether you are a new student learning Taiko, a seasoned performer, or a curious spectator our group places high value on everyone’s enjoyment of this cultural performance art.  Over the years, the program has produced many talented individuals who have gone on to further develop their passion for Taiko with other ensembles across the country.  Ho Etsu Taiko has recently opened enrollment to non-temple members and we are excited for the future development of the group.


ICHIMI DAIKO
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA

ICHO DAIKO
CLEVELAND, OHIO
Icho Daiko was founded in September 2003 in Oberlin, Ohio. The group is sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, and is currently comprised of 13 members of the Cleveland, Akron and Oberlin College communities.

Icho Daiko’s mission is to strengthen Asian American communities by instilling pride and cultural awareness, and to build bridges between Asian Americans and other groups through the dynamic cultural expression of taiko.

Through building and playing of taiko, Icho Daiko encourages its members to learn to respect equipment, each other and the community.  Through its energetic performance, the group aims to inspire audience to be aware of the history and struggles that social injustice brought to people.

Icho Daiko members encourage anyone who wants to learn about taiko and its history to visit the group rehearsals, take classes, and participate in JACL and Icho Daiko activities.

INOCHI TAIKO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
In the fall of 2003, Garrett Nakawatase, Tyrone Nakawatase and Max Honkawa reunited to form Inochi Taiko. The name Inochi, meaning “life force”, has a personal meaning to these founding members of the group since Taiko has been an integral part of each one of their lives with each member averaging over 10 years of experience and beginning taiko at a young age. While growing up, taiko has been the life force or “spirit” that has helped to develop member’s leadership skills, artistic expression and other personal aspects of their lives. The members of Inochi Taiko strive to not only play at a high caliber to entertain audiences, but also try to push each other creatively to form a uniquely distinct sound.

In 2007 the group is proud to announce the that Inochi Taiko has 3 new members! Welcome Jason Kopec, Kristi Hirata and Lauryn Takisaki!  The group also launched it’s Web Address: www.inochitaiko.com

ISSHIN DAIKO
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Isshin Daiko as created in January 2004 and now consists of several drummers and one fue player. Their members are passionate about taiko. They have fun learning traditional taiko pieces and experimenting with new rhythms while striving to meet standards of practice and performance that dignify taiko as an art form. Isshin Taiko works hard, plays hard and laughs often together. In their short history, they have performed at a number of local festivals, benefits, and other events. The group is seeking new members (drummers and fue players) who have had some kind of drumming or other musical experience. Isshin Taiko welcomes inquiries about membership and performances.


JODAIKO OF UC IRVINE
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA
Jodaiko is a Collegiate Taiko group based on the main campus of the University of California, Irvine. Now in its 17th year since inception, Jodaiko brings the Japanese art of Taiko to UCI and the rest of Southern California. The word “Jodaiko” means “passionate drumming” in Japanese and Jodaiko could not have been described better.

Taiko has been a Japanese/Japanese American cultural presence in United States and especially California) since the late 1960s. Most taiko groups in the US practice Kumi-daiko or “group drumming”. Jodaiko is committed to both respecting and continuing traditions of kumi-daiko with a spirit of passion and dedication, while at the same time embracing the innovation and musical exploration that comes with being a collegiate group in North America. Jodaiko encourages members of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds to come experience the resounding beat of the drums from Japan.

JUN DAIKO
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA
Jun Daiko, based in Mountain View, CA, was founded by a gathering of friends who began to practice informally at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple in 2005. The group formalized in 2007 and takes its name from the Japanese character used in the phrase “meguri ai,” which means “a fortuitous, chance meeting. Jun Daiko draws upon the experiences of its members, who have performed together in various combinations with the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, Stanford Taiko, Zenshin Daiko, and Kona Daifukuji Taiko. In addition to public performances, Jun Daiko supports the taiko program Mountain View Buddhist Temple, teaching classes for youth and adults.


KAGEMUSHA TAIKO
EXETER, UNITED KINGDOM

KAZE DAIKO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Kaze Daiko is a Japanese-American performing taiko group for youth ages 12 to 22 years old. In Kaze Daiko, we strive to develop an appreciation of Japanese music and movement; to learn about Japanese and Japanese American culture, history and heritage; to help members develop and maintain a sense of identity, pride and self-confidence; to reach out to a broader community in support of diversity, tolerance and mutual education; to foster teamwork and unity of purpose.

We do this through the study, practice and performance on taiko, or Japanese drums. The style we play, known as kumi-daiko (or group taiko), grew out of the peasant and religious festival music of Japan, which arrived in North America along with the early immigrants from 1890-1924. From humble beginnings as accompaniment to Bon Odori (Obon festival dances) and Mochitsuki (New Year’s rice-pounding), kumi-daiko developed in the post-war period, first in Japan (1950’s) and then in the United States (late 1960’s). Today, taiko has blossomed into a synthesis of rhythm, movement and spirit, and is gaining recognition as a new performing art on the World Music stage.

In Kaze Daiko, membership is a family activity where the kids learn and practice taiko arts, and then perform at various local venues. The parents and teachers provide the support needed to achieve these objectives, as well as handle the many administrative and logistical responsibilities to maintain the group and nurture our young artists.

KENNY ENDO TAIKO ENSEMBLE
HONOLULU, HAWAII
The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble (KETE) is led by one of the leading innovators of contemporary taiko composition, Kenny Endo. The ensemble performs a variety of musical forms including kumi-daiko (ensemble drumming), Edo Bayashi (festival music), Edo Kotobuki Jishi (traditional lion dance from Edo), as well as Endo’s contemporary styles of combining taiko with musicians of various genres. Endo often combines vibraphones, koto, woodwinds, and world percussion with the taiko. The group performs regularly in Hawaii and has also performed in Belgium, Germany, Japan, and throughout the continental US. KETE performed at the frist TAIKO JAM in 1997 and has been featured at the Hawaii International Taiko Festivals, Honolulu Festivals, and the Hawaii International Jazz Festival. KETE hold concerts, lecture/demonstrations, and residencies throughout the year. Members of the group come from all walks of life including careers in: education, technology, politics, architecture, art and music. KETE emphasizes musicality, techinique, form, creative musical expression, and excellence. Endo also leads ensembles based in Tokyo and the continental US under the same name.
Discography: “Eternal Energy” (1995), featuring the Tokyo ensemble; “Hibiki” (1998), featuring the Tokyo and Honolulu ensembles; “Jugoya” (2000), featuring the Tokyo and Honolulu ensembles (2005)

KINNARA TAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Kinnara Taiko is the oldest taiko group in Southern California and one of the oldest groups in the United States.  Named after the celestial musicians in Buddhist mythology, Kinnara was founded in 1969 by members of the Senshin Buddhist Temple as a development of the Buddhist performing arts called “Horaku” of “Dharma Entertainment.” Kinnara was the first group in the United States to make their own drums from oak wine barrels, as well as their own costumes and performance pieces.

KISHIN DAIKO
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
Since its establishment at the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center in June of 1981, Kishin Daiko has continued to entertain, educate and enlighten audiences with their dynamic, powerful and heart stopping sounds of taiko. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational taiko group that exemplifies harmony with diversity through its music as well as its membership. The group’s music consists  of traditional Japanese taiko pieces as well as original compositions by contemporary musicians and Kishin members.

Although Kishin’s performances are normally focused in Southern California, they have had the opportunity to tour Japan to perform and study taiko. Some of their performance highlights include: The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 75th Anniversary at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion; The World Cup Soccer Celebration at Universal Studios; The United Nation’s Blue Sky Project at Paramount Studios; The Super Bowl XXXII Pre Game Show and Michelle Kwan Day.

KITA NO TAIKO
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA
Kita No Taiko was formed in 1987. Six people began with a passion to play taiko, but had no drums, no costumes and only 2 very short songs. Initially, practice consisted of playing on spare tires and based on self-discovered techniques for playing and learning the joys a and pitfalls of group dynamics. As with other groups in North America, we began to build our own taiko. Our first taiko were made from a feta cheese barrel, a wine barrel and plastic sewer pipe. We also made our first costumes. We now have a solid collection of taiko, which are made by us and purchased from makes in Japan and a few from the U.S. Practices and performances are year round. While most of our performances are in Western Canada, we have performed in the U.S. and Japan. We also have a special presentation for schools. Primarily K-6. A special highlight for us was joint performance with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. That was followed by a similar performance in Calgary with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. We completed an international award winning film project with Mieko Ouchi called “By This Parting” and won a prize for best musical score. We give public workshops every year to give anyone the opportunity to learn a little about playing taiko. We had no suspicion that the results of our efforts would be when we started in 1987. Today, we are as excited about what has happened so far, as we are about the future.

KITSUNE TAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Kitsune Taiko was founded in 2002 at the Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple along with Bombu Taiko and is named after the mysterious and mischievous fox (kitsune) of Japanese folklore. The ensemble consists of the girls, who have claimed the “Shakko” or red fox, and the boys, who have claimed the “Genko”, the black fox as their mascot. Together, they create Kitsune Taiko, the baddest youth taiko group to hit Little Tokyo.

KODAMA TAIKO
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
Kodama is a group of percussionists from the greater Los Angeles area who are dedicated in performing both traditional and contemporary pieces through the sound of taiko. The group is primarily composed of a dozen working professionals who enjoy sharing their time in learning and creating new and entertaining pieces to perform.

Kodama is best known for their unique Mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) performances in which they combine the age-old tradition of pounding mochi (sweet rice) with the sounds of taiko. This energetic performance is customary during the Japanese New Year’s Oshogatsu, but has expanded to be performed during any celebratory occasion. Makoto Fujii of the Japan based group Medetaya taught Kodama the combined art of taiko and Mochitsuki. Kodama takes their name from the Japanese word for “echo” and literally translated means “echoing sounds.”

Kodama evolved from the collegiate-based group “Jishin Daiko,” which began in January 1994 under the instruction of Rev. Tom Kurai. In October 1997, the group was re-formed as Kodama by Dean Mimura and Karren Tsutsui, founding members of Jishin Daiko. Kodama is based out of the Japanese Community Institute in Pasadena. Their practices are every Thursday night from 7-9pm. The group has performed for many events and festivals around the Los Angeles area. Some past performances include the Japan Expo, the Tofu Festival and Nissei Week events. Kodama performs for various other public and private functions around the LA area.

KOKORO TAIKO
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Originally, Kokoro Taiko Kai was founded by Victor Fukuhara and Jaime Kamei in the mid 1990s to promote one aspect of Japanese culture to the community in general, specifically to young Japanese-Americans. Under the guidance of Aimee Yamada (a former instructor for Issami Taiko of Gardena, who now has her own group, Yamato Taiko), Vic and Jaime learned the art of taiko and stared the group in Long Beach.

The first performance was at Harbor District Japanese Community Center during the Summer Carnival in 1990. Since then, we performed a little over 160 performances in the last 10 years, including Gardena 5000, Long Beach Marathon, LA Marathon, Nisei Week Parade and opening ceremony of Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific to name a few. Many of our performances are performed to private parties, anywhere from fundraising events to a wedding party. The best way to catch us perform is to come to the HDJCC summer carnival.

KOYASON TAIKO
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

KYO DAIKO
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA


LAS VEGAS KAMINARI TAIKO
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Amid the hustle and bustle of nightlife and the sea of glittering lights is a group of talented individuals that defies the stereotypical definition of ‘Sin City.’   The only performing group of its kind in the desert valley, Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko (LVKT) has reached new heights since its beginning in 1993 (founded by the late George Goto).  When the current leader, Noel Garcia, took the reigns as creative director and instructor, he vowed to keep the true spirit of taiko alive.  Influences from well-known taiko instructors, like Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka Sensei, Kenny Endo Sensei, and Bryan Yamami, have helped the group form its own unique style of taiko.  With the help of Teresa Tokumon (the group’s Events Planner), LVKT has performed for venues ranging from elementary schools and community concerts to large-scale corporate events and business conventions.  In 2007, LVKT was featured in KLAS Channel 8’s (CBS) first high definition commercial promoting their Investigative News Team.  This dynamic group continues to strive to enrich the lives of the public as well as embody the grandeur of the art that is taiko.  Current perfoming members include Noel Garcia, Janeen Nanbu, Aika Rowe, Angela Chiao, Jen Caballero, Wendy Dwyer, Kimi Nakata, Teresa Tokumon, Narciso Oyamot, Justin Hee, Matt Chun, Kathy Thomas, Julie Asamoto, Kristine Wakida, Jennifer Kong, Sydney Lau, and Kamille Garcia.

LA MATSURI TAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
LA Matsuri Taiko studys taiko under the guidance of Master Etsuo Hongo, and seeks to raise the level of intensity and enjoyment of taiko for ourselves, as well as the audience, by striving for a high level of group unity.

Master Etsuo Hongo, founder and leader of Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko, studied traditional taiko drumming in his home country of Japan. He brought his taiko experience to Los Angeles in 1977, inspiring and teaching generations of taiko players. Hongo’s teachings include not only the technical aspects of taiko, but the discipline, etiquette and spirit of the drum which are equally important elements of learning taiko.

L.A. Matsuri Taiko has been invited to perform at some of the largest taiko gatherings in the United States, including the International Taiko Festival and the International Taiko Conference. The group has also performed at the U.S. Sumo Open, Tokyo City Cup at the Santa Anita Racetrack, Movie ‘Oceans 13’, and Los Angeles Marathon as well as many of the local community and private events.

MAKOTO TAIKO
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

MANHATTAN TAIKO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Manhattan Taiko began as a student group at Teachers College/Columbia University. Students who have developed skills then give performances in the region. We emphasize creation of our own repertoire, but we also perform traditional pieces such as Hiryu, Miyake, Hachijo and Matsuri. We enjoy the camaraderie and meditation aspects of taiko as an art.

MAUI TAIKO
KAHULUI, HAWAII
Maui Taiko is a multi-generational, multi-denominational, family-oriented group with close to 50 performers ranging in age from 8 to 82. Maui Taiko’s signature song is “Fukushima Ondo”, a nearly centuries-old, traditional folk song played at obon festivals.  The song was brought to the islands by Japanese immigrant families who lived in the sugar plantation camps.  Each year the group performs on every weekend during June through August at the numerous Obon dances on Maui. The group co-founded and sponsors the annual Maui Matsuri (Japanese Festival) held each May.  This years seventh annual two day festival drew a crowd of 7,000 people to enjoy Japanese entertainment, food, crafts, activities, martial arts and demonstrations.  The group performs on 16 taikos made by the group and have assisted numerous temples on Maui to re-skin their decades-old authentic taiko.

Memorable performances include a 2004 pre-concert performance for the “WHO” and a 2007 pre-concert performance for rock legend Bon Jovi.  The group has performed as pre-concert entertainment for Hiroshima, Kinnara Taiko, and San Jose Taiko for their respective Maui concerts and at the 2003 North American Taiko conference in Sacramento.  In 2005, select members taught workshops at the North American Taiko Conference in Los Angeles.  The 2001 Maui Taiko Aloha Tour to Japan included performances at concerts in Hiroshima and Fukushima which were highlights of the 11 day tour. A similar tour is scheduled for 2008.

MAZE DAIKO
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
Mazeru is the Japanese word for “mix” and taiko (daiko) is the Japanese word for “drum”. Maze Daiko creates an exciting mix of instrumentation and rhythms with the physical elegance and powerful sounds of taiko.

Maze Daiko combines traditional taiko rhythms and form with non-traditional instrumentation, and cross-cultural grooves. The members of Maze Daiko, Janet Koike, Cristine Sato, Elaine Fong,Kathryn Cabunoc, Tina Blaine and Carolyn West, all have years of collective experience in other taiko or musical groups including San Jose Taiko, Odaiko New England, UCLA Kyodo Taiko, Emeryville Taiko and Rhythmix Ensemble. The different taiko backgrounds mix (Maze) together with unusual instrumentation, marimba, santur, djembe to create original interpretations for taiko that fill the stage with energetic choreography and vibrant sound.

Maze creates intricate rhythms that fill the stage with energetic choreography and vibrant sound.

MIDNIGHT TAIKO KAI
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA

MOAB TAIKO DAN
MOAB, UTAH
Moab Taiko Dan is located in the heart of the canyon country in Utah’s southwest desert. Founded by Annette Kearl in 1993 under the name Hen Kei Taiko, the group has continued its development during the past seven years under the instruction of Sensei Tiffany Tamaribuchi. The group is blessed in its rural isolation to have dedicated members who continue to strive for integration and expression of mind, body and spirit through drumming. In addition to traditional Taiko, we also employ multi-cultural rhythms and original composition. The purpose of MTD is to encourage individual, group and community expression through drumming. The goal of MTD is to provide a forum where the following may occur: share the art of traditional Taiko; provide community workshops in drumming, movement and voice; facilitate cultural exchange; promote personal growth and empowerment; support humanitarian and community events; experience the joyous expression of group drumming; encourage creativity in rhythm, movement and individual expression; improve drumming skills and repertoire; develop discipline of mind and body. Moab Taiko Dan performs regularly at local events, state and agency conferences and oddity-happenings! Any taiko drummers passing through Moab, Utah have an open invitation to contact the group for a visit and are welcome to share time drumming. Don’t be shy!

MONMOUTH TAIKO
MONMOUTH, OREGON
Moab Taiko Dan is located in the heart of the canyon country in Utah’s southwest desert. Founded by Annette Kearl in 1993 under the name Hen Kei Taiko, the group has continued its development during the past seven years under the instruction of Sensei Tiffany Tamaribuchi. The group is blessed in its rural isolation to have dedicated members who continue to strive for integration and expression of mind, body and spirit through drumming. In addition to traditional Taiko, we also employ multi-cultural rhythms and original composition. The purpose of MTD is to encourage individual, group and community expression through drumming. The goal of MTD is to provide a forum where the following may occur: share the art of traditional Taiko; provide community workshops in drumming, movement and voice; facilitate cultural exchange; promote personal growth and empowerment; support humanitarian and community events; experience the joyous expression of group drumming; encourage creativity in rhythm, movement and individual expression; improve drumming skills and repertoire; develop discipline of mind and body. Moab Taiko Dan performs regularly at local events, state and agency conferences and oddity-happenings! Any taiko drummers passing through Moab, Utah have an open invitation to contact the group for a visit and are welcome to share time drumming. Don’t be shy!

MOUNTAIN VIEW BUDDHIST TEMPLE
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA

MU DAIKO
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Led by Artistic Director Rick Shiomi, Mu Daiko is the thirteen-member professional taiko ensemble of Mu Performing Arts. Shiomi began his taiko career in the late 1970s with Katari Taiko in Vancouver. In the early 1980s he studied and performed with the San Francisco Taiko Dojo under Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka. He also performed with Soh Daiko of New York and Wasabi Daiko of Toronto. He founded Mu Daiko in 1997 at the behest of a few eager students. The group’s first official public performance was at the LynLake Fair in Minneapolis followed by their first annual concert later that year. Since then, the group has performed yearly concerts featuring original compositions and has hosted such internationally renowned guest artists as Kenny Endo, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, On Ensemble and Fubuki Daiko. Members have performed with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota and were especially proud to have been included in Taiko Jam 2005.  Mu Daiko’s performance style and original compositions are influenced not only by Shiomi’s study with Tanaka Sensei and workshops with Kenny Endo, Hanayui, and Fubuki Daiko, but also by its parent company’s theatrical aesthetic and its connection to Korean Mask Dance. Four of Mu Performing Arts’ mainstage productions since 1999 have showcased a taiko-based subject and/or taiko performance. Mu Daiko performs over one hundred times each year for schools, community organizations, arts institutions and corporations. In addition Mu Daiko reaches hundreds of taiko enthusiasts through its ongoing taiko classes and elementary, secondary and college-level workshops and residencies.


NARUWAN TAIKO
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

NCS TAIKO
LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, CANADA

NEN DAIKO
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
Nen Daiko is based at the Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia. We are currently in our 15th year of performing. The group was founded by Beth Fujishige with the full support of the late Rev. Kenry Tsuji who was the resident minister at the time. Nen Daiko emphasizes basic philosophies of Buddhism and its connection to taiko. The group performs at festivals and conferences throughout the Washinton, D.C. area including the National Cherry Blossom Festival. One of the group’s missions is to introduce the art of taiko to the community in hopes of spreading the joy that taiko brings to those who listen and for members of Nen Daiko whose joy it is to play.

NEW YORK TAIKO AIKOKAI OF TEACHERS COLLEGE TAIKO SOCIETY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK

NORTHWEST TAIKO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON


OBERLIN COLLEGE TAIKO
OBERLIN, OHIO

ODAIKO NEW ENGLAND
WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS
Odaiko New England (”ONE”), founded in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1995, is fast becoming one of the premier professional taiko groups on the East Coast. Or members reflect the rich ethnic, racial and cultural diversity of Massachusetts. Inspired by the spirit of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming), we strive to drum as one voice. We believe the taiko speaks across boundaries of race, class, culture and religion, bringing people together in harmony and community. ONE takes traditional Japanese taiko rhythms and infuses them with modern spirit as we create our own electrifying, powerful, dynamic and distinct “American taiko” style and voice. The group first rehearsed in the children’s playroom of a church using tires, garbage cans and borrowed drums from New York’s Soh Daiko. Since these modest beginnings, ONE has grown, with an increasingly busy schedule of performances not only in New England and the Northeast, but in cities such as Los Angeles and Cedar Rapids. We are on the performance rosters of Young Audiences of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Through taiko workshops, lecture demonstrations, and ongoing classes, ONE delights and mesmerizes audiences, young and old, who gain an appreciation of this unique art form. In 2004, our schedule included more than ninety performances, workshops and classes. ONE was the only artist in the state of Massachusetts chosen to create and teach a residency for the Boston Renaissance Charter Elementary School. In 2004, Odaiko New England was chosen to participate in Yo Yo Ma’s “Silk Road” project at the Peabody Essex Museum. In 2005, Odaiko New England was chosed as “guest artists” to work with youth involved in the Massachusetts State Department or Mental Health.

ODAIKO SONORA
TUCSON, ARIZONA
Founded in 2002, Odaiko Sonora strives to uphold and expand the instruction and performance of taiko, the artistic, powerful, and physically demanding discipline of Japanese ensemble drumming. Through exciting performances, high-quality instruction and team workshops we increase first-hand knowledge of taiko and the opportunities it presents for physical, mental, and spiritual growth throughout Southern Arizona.
Our teaching and playing adhere to our group’s key principles: SOUND (Cultivating the desire and discipline to continuously improve technique and musical ability), MIND (Learning the history and culture of taiko and embodying the concept of beginner’s mind), BODY (Working at all times for correct kata) & SPIRIT (Bringing good ki into the dojo, and practicing with attitudes of patience, humility, willingness, and generosity). Our students and members strive always to honor the traditions of taiko as they have come to us through our teachers, and to honor our audiences through the quality of our presentations.

The group has developed extremely quickly: We perform over 40 times each year, offer weekly taiko classes for all ages, school residency programs and team-building workshops. We have raised the level of taiko instruction available in Arizona by bringing master teachers to Tucson. In 2003, we incorporated and created a 5-member Board of Directors, and obtained nonprofit 501(c)(3) status early in 2004. Since 2004 we have pursued collaborative projects with other Tucson performing arts groups and have collaborated and developed shared repertoire with Fushicho Daiko, the Phoenix group that helped us get started.

OGDEN BUDDHIST TAIKO GROUP
OGDEN, UTAH

ONAMI TAIKO
UNION CITY, CALIFORNIA
Onami means “Big Wave” and taiko is an ancient asian art form which uses Japanese drums. Onami not only symbolizes the waves of the oceans, but also the great wave of sound that crashes over you at a taiko performance. The oneness and unity of the ocean is often used as a metaphor in the Buddhist Teachings.

Onami Taiko began in 1997 as a small outreach group of the Southern Alameda Buddhist Education Committee. The grouo was the brainchild of our then resident minister, Rev. Ken Tanaka, who wanted a vehicle by which to introduce Buddhism to the community and share of its Japanese culture and origin. Our goal is to encourage the younger generation to carry on this art form. Onami has grown from its original size of six member s to approximately 15 members today, ranging in age from 10 to 82 years.

Our group has presented elements of Japanese Culture and tradition to our community in a fun and positive way, through public performances of taiko drumming at community festivals and a variety of other events. Our greatest joy comes from playing and sharing taiko with others.

ON ENSEMBLE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
On Ensemble (pronounced “Ohn”) takes the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms. Infusing the powerful rhythms of ensemble Japanese drumming with elements of hip-hop, rock and electronica, On Ensemble’s unique sound has been praised as “completely original and brilliantly conceived.” Modern Drummer magazine calls On Ensemble “an exciting taiko ensemble looking at new ways to apply traditional Japanese drums.”

On Ensemble’s four members, Masato Baba, Kristofer Bergstrom, Shoji Kameda and Kelvin Underwood, are individually recognized as leading artists in their field and sought after as teachers, workshop leaders, composers and performers. As On Ensemble they combine their study and deep appreciation of tradition with equally formative experiences as DJs, electronic music producers, Jazz drummers, and rock bassists to create a repertoire of ground-breaking music.

ONE WORLD TAIKO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Contact: Gary Tsujimoto or Nancy Ozaki
P.O. Box 80158, Seattle, WA 98108
Ph: (206) 762-0717
email: oneworldtaiko@earthlink.net
Web: www.oneworldtaiko.com

One World Taiko is a professional Japanese drum ensemble that captivates audiences with their heart pounding beats, dynamic movement and rhythmic grooves. One World Taiko’s music is drawn from Japan’s tradition of lively festival drumming along with their own creative rhythms, arrangements and choreography, adding their energetic spirit to the ancient art of taiko. Their repertoire includes arrangements of traditional pieces and original compositions infused with rhythms inspired by jazz and world music.

In 2007, One World Taiko was selected to perform in Seattle at Benaroya Hall’s S. Mark Taper Auditorium for the North American Taiko Conference’s major concert called Taiko Jam. The concert featured 4 top taiko groups in the United States and Canada. They also have performed in numerous concerts, festivals, celebrations, corporate events and schools and college universities throughout the US. From 1993-1997, One World Taiko was the full time resident taiko group performing at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center’s Japan Pavilion in Orlando, Florida.

PHOENIX TAIKO KAI
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Phoenix Taiko Kai are the students of Esther Vandecar, founder of Fushicho Daiko in Phoenix, Arizona and her colleagues Tony Trapasso and Eileen Morgan. The group performs at church and school socials, fundraising events, the Tempe Arts Festival, the Phoenix Matsuri and their ‘home’ event is the Arizona Asian Festival in Phoenix in mid-April each year. The group exists more to participate in Taiko than to perform. The eight current regular members vary between one and seven years of experience, but all seem to need a regular fix of taiko joy in their lives! They are part of the Taiko community in Arizona, which has enthusiastically welcomed visiting workshops from KASA, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, PJ Hirabayashi and TAIKOPROJECT in recent years.

PIAO ZHU: FLYING BAMBOO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Piao Zhu: Flying Bamboo is a contemporary performance initiative. The Seattle Weekly describes the group as “a new dance/percussion/chant meditation/ritual by Byron Au Yong, whose interdisciplinary works are as exquisite and imaginative as they are unclassifiable.”

The idea for Piao Zhu: Flying Bamboo was inspired by the legend of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove - a band of Chinese scholars and poets who met to escape political and societal duress during the 3rd century BCE. A Piao Zhu performance includes songs, drums, cymbals, gongs, bamboo, fiddle, mouth harp, and dance with a focus on social action and artistic wonder. Piao Zhu: Flying Bamboo premiered as a two-hour ceremonial event at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in 2006.

Piao Zhu: Flying Bamboo is proud to be part of 4Culture’s 2009-2010 Touring Arts Roster. The ensemble has performed as part of the Community Arts Day Celebration for Bainbridge Performing Arts, the Arts-in-Nature Festival, and other events throughout the Pacific Northwest.

PORTLAND TAIKO
PORTLAND, OREGON
Portland Taiko is an Asian American drum performance group that has established a distinguished reputation as it carries out its mission: “Through artistic excellence and innovation in taiko, we affirm Asian American pride, inspire audiences, build community, and educate about our culture and heritage.”

Portland Taiko bridges innovative Asian American artistic expression and ancient folk traditions. Since it was formed in 1994, Portland Taiko has reached over 780,000 people through more than 900 community performances, home concerts, school programs, classes and tours and residencies. Past projects have included commissioning new work with composers Masato Baba (for a collaborative work with One World Taiko and Uzume Taiko), Ghanaian Master drummer Obo Addy, and with Kenny Endo for the Continental Harmony Project of the NEA and American Composers Forum. In 2007, we are creating a new musical theater project, “Rhythms of Change: The Way Home”, in collaboration with composer Byron Au Yong, visual artist Valerie Otani, and poet Lawson Inada. In recent years, Portland Taiko’s unique performances and music have placed it onto a national stage with tours that have taken the group all over the country, from Hawaii to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

In addition to producing an annual season of performances, Portland Taiko is committed to providing effective educational and community outreach programs. During 1997, we expanded the reach of our “Teaching & Reaching Through Taiko” (TReaTT) residency program in schools and other learning institutions. This program uses basic taiko principles and in-depth curriculum to engage the students in discussions about the historical connections of North American taiko (including the internment of Japanese Americans and its relationship to current events). Portland Taiko also provides youth programs, including and ensemble for young people (”Tanuki Taiko”) and children’s matinees.

Artistically, the group is led by Artistic Co-Directors Teresa Enrico and Michelle Fujii. Our Executive Director is Michael Griggs, Operations Manager is Heather Lyman and Angela Dimmick is our administrative assistant.

PROGRESSIVE TAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Progressive Taiko (a.k.a. PROTA) is an ensemble of taiko performers with a diverse background in arts, musical composition, and community campaigns and projects. Unique to the taiko community, PROTA members all have backgrounds with intercollegiate taiko teams including UCLA Kyodo Taiko, UCI Jodaiko, Stanford Taiko, and UC Senryu Taiko, as well as other taiko groups such as TAIKOPROJECT, Koshin Daiko, Kene Endo Taiko Ensemble, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Bukkyo Daiko and the Orange County Buddhist Church’s Daion Taiko.

PROTA’s mission is to use taiko to address larger community issues and through our 2 year history PROTA has performed for various community events throughout LIttle Tokyo and the larger LA community.


RAGIN ASIAN WOMEN (RAW) TAIKO DRUMMERS
TORONTO, CANADA
Raging Asian Women will set your heart pounding! RAW is a diverse collective of East and South-East Asian women carrying on the North American taiko drumming tradition and promoting social justice while making music. We are activists, cultural workers, dancers, writers, teachers, rock climbers, artists, mothers, community workers, and academics. We integrate rhythm and movement to show a powerful expression of our unique experiences as Asian-Canadian women. We believe in the power of collective creation and collaboration, and are continually working to develop innovative artistic ideas. Our group is a registered, not-for-profit organization.

RHYTHMIX CULTURAL WORKS
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA


SACRAMENTO TAIKO DAN
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
The Sacramento Taiko Dan is a community-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 1989 by Tiffany Tamaribuchi. From the very beginning we drew a wide number of people from highly diverse backgrounds, all interested in learning more about and playing Taiko. We were supported in part by the members of the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, who graciously allowed us to use their facilities free of charge until we could afford to pay rent! We played together on discarded tires and a few group-made drums, steadily building more drums and acquiring instruments from Japan. We started with one practice a week and added more classes and rehearsals to try to keep up with our schedule and community demand, eventually adding classes for children and helping to teach and start other Taiko groups all over the country.

As our group continues to grow and expand, we stay focused on our mission of preserving and promoting both traditional and contemporary styles of Wadaiko through both study and performance. In 2002, we established our own Dojo where we have approximately 6,000 square feet of dedicated class, rehearsal, office & storage space. Our dojo also serves as the main office for affiliated Taiko Dan groups from throughout North America and Japan.

The Sacramento group currently has approximately 80 members who participate in the adult performing ensemble, the professional touring ensemble, the youth ensemble, the children’s ensemble and a variety of beginning through advanced workshops and classes for children and adults. We perform a rigorous and rewarding schedule of 75+ public performances annually presenting self-produced full length concerts and participating in local festivals, school assembly programs, and a variety of private and public events throughout Northern California with occasional tours traveling as far away as Hawaii, Europe and Japan. Collaborations with local ballet, modern dance, poet and other ethnic percussion and music groups have also heightened our level of community recognition and have helped us to expand the scope of our artistic vision. Through these activities, we further our mission by extending opportunities for greater cultural awareness and understanding of traditional Japanese art forms within our community. Recent highlights for our group include a 2002 Japan Tour and Tiffany winning the first place award at the 2002 OTAIKO HIBIKE All-Japan Odaiko competition.

SAN DIEGO TAIKO
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
San Diego Taiko was formed in 2004 by two taiko drummers from the East Coast, a percussionist native to San Diego, and a flute player from Japan who came together to create the spirit, energy and community unique to Taiko. San Diego Taiko’s mission is to share the art form of Taiko and our passion for playing it with the San Diego community through performances and outreach, and to provide the opportunity for our members to polish their abilities.

San Diego Taiko has quickly developed into a performing group, regularly playing at community and corporate functions, festivals, sporting events, and private engagements. San Diego Taiko annually presents DrumSTRONG, a self-produced conert in collaboration with drummers of other cultures. (2007: Sene Africa (Senagal); 2008: Super Sonic Samba School).

In addition to the teachings of founding members, the group has received instruction and gifts of songs and arrangements from visiting taiko players, including Noel Garcia, formerly of Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko, Andrew Thalheimer of St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, Sandy Ikeda and Choony Lee of New York’s Soh Daiko and Yuta Kato, formerly of Taikoproject. Our beautiful drums were made by Toshi Kato.

A Diverse Group

San Diego Taiko’s eleven members include a neuroscientist, an events coordinator, a librarian, a communications consultant, a public relations professional, an IT systems sales manager, a financial analyst, a student, a software engineer and an aerospace engineer. We have Japanese and French members, Japanese-Americans, Filipino Americans and Americans of differing European descent. The varied professions, backgrounds, ethnicities and experiences of our members create diversity in composition and performance, but we’re all the same in our love of taiko.

SAN JOSE TAIKO
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
Since 1973, San Jose Taiko (SJT) has been infusing the art of traditional Japanese taiko with diverse world rhythms and American vitality, creating a dynamic Asian American art form that has become the hallmark of SJT. With a deep respect for cultural traditions, SJT is dedicated to the advancement of taiko through innovative performances and outstanding educational programs, while maintaining strong ties with its community. SJT is currently made up of 6 artistic/administrative staff members, 15 performers, 3 apprentices, and 3 trainees.

Touring extensively both nationally and internationally, SJT presents concerts and residencies that reach more than 100,000 people each year. SJT has participated in every San Jose Obon since 1974 and performs in many other local cultural events. In order to expand and diversify the art form of taiko, SJT engages in collaborations with artists of various disciplines, such as classical and modern dance, theater, jazz and symphony orchestras, and other world music artists.

Educational programs include the Junior Taiko program, which has been running continuously since 1985 and is made up of students ranging in age from 8 to 18, the School Outreach program, which reaches over 20,000 students a year, and our Summer Internship program that provides practical experience in nonprofit arts administration. SJT also conducts master classes for percussion and music students, taiko workshops for the general public, and organizational team-building workshops.

SANDOSHIN TAIKO
MORGAN HILL, CALIFORNIA
Sandoshin Taiko, meaning “dragon’s mountain pass”, was formed in 2000 as a means of blending Taiko with various martial arts styles. The homes of Sandoshin Taiko are Seikishin Dojo and Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center, both located in Morgan Hill, California. Seikishin Dojo offers the martial arts of Koshiden-Ryu Jiujutsu ‘wrist and join locking system’, Shinkendo ’sword fighting system’ and Eskrima ;stick fighting system’ and provides a rich medium to draw from in integrating the different styles into the world of Taiko music. The choreography for the group is exciting and dynamic, using bakuto ‘wooden sword’, katana ‘live steel blade’ and eskrima ‘bamboo sticks’ as additional elements that add to the Taiko music. In some performances, audience members might be fortunate enough to experience actual cutting demonstrations where a katana ’sharp steel blade’ is used to cut through tatami targets. The philosophy behind the group is to express the inner spirit ‘ki’ within oneself through Taiko drumming. The beauty behind the group is two-fold: martial artists with no musical background can learn Taiko and Taiko drummers with no martial arts experience can learn several different martial art styles. Additionally, those who which to only focus on the music can do so without participating in the martial arts demonstrations. Ikuyo Conant serves as the Sensei for the group along with being the Artistic Director for Shinsei Daiko, Shinsho Mugen Daiko and Watsonville Taiko.

SAWAGI TAIKO
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Sawagi Taiko is the first all-women’s taiko group in Canada, formed in 1990. In Sawagi Taiko, we pool our common and unique experiences as East Asian women living in Canada and focus our creative energy and ideas into a powerful expression that will be heard and can’t be ignored. As a performing group, we’re looking to create an environment where all our members can initiate and explore their individual artistic visions.

Sawagi Taiko continues the historical and cultural connections amongst different Asian cultures - e.g., the instrument originated in China and the artistic form originated in the rural communities of Japan. The members of the group are of Chinese and Japanese ancestry. We explore our different ancestral legacies in our art form and our pieces reflect our diverse experiences.

SEATTLE KOKON TAIKO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Seattle Kokon Taiko is a performing group based in the local Japanese American community. SKT traces its roots to the Seattle Taiko Group, which formed in April 1980 following a dynamic performance by Ondekoza at the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. In 1987, three members left STG to form Kokon Taiko Ensemble and focus on smaller, more musical performance pieces. In 1992, these two groups merged to form Seattle Kokon Taiko. Our early teachers and influences included: Seiichi Tanaka and the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, San Jose Taiko, Kinnara Taiko and Katari taiko. Later influences include Uzume Taiko and Kenny Endo. Over the years, we have performed at schools, art festivals, street fairs, community programs, corporate events and in concert throughout Washington and Oregon.

Taiko is a dynamic synthesis of rhythm, movement and spirit originating in Japan and evolving as a folk art over the last several hundred years. In Seattle Kokon Taiko, we try to combine the ancient with the modern; our repertoire is a mix of traditional pieces and contemporary compositions. Through taiko, we hope to contribute to the development of a uniquely Japanese American in expression - that weaves threads of continuity between generations and builds bridges of understanding among people of all nationalities and walks of life.

SEATTLE MATSURI TAIKO
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

SENRYU TAIKO @ UC RIVERSIDE
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
In 1998, a handful of students collaborated with Professor Deborah Wong to form the club formerly known as UCR Taiko. Since then, this taiko troupe has grown into a well established, student governed organization. Being the premiere and only taiko group in the Inland Empire, Senryu Taiko’s mission is to educate the general public about taiko and other aspects of the Japanese culture. The name, ‘Senryu’, is actually made up of two kanji characters. When read separately, the two characters mean ‘river’ and ‘willow’ respectively. Many people ask if we play by the river near the willow trees, after all it is Riverside, but that is not the reason why the club is named Senryu Taiko. A Senryu is actually a verse written in a 5-7-5 syllable pattern - much like a haiku - except this form of poetry is not necessarily about nature. A Senryu can be about anything at any time, which perfectly describes the spontaneity of this taiko group. Membership is open to all UCR undergraduate and graduate students.

SHIDARA
TOEI, JAPAN
Defying time and place, Shidara’s music captures  earthy tones of long ago, and thunders with new images of Japanese mountain life.  Enjoying the stage with Grammy and Golden Award Winner KITARO in 2003, Shidara tours regularly throughout Japan and Korea, with acclaimed appearances in Norway, Sweden, the United States, Martinique, and Taipei.

Thunderous standing ovations at U.S. debut appearances, and ensuing popular demand from North American audiences caused the commencement of Shidara’s North American Tours in 2006.  Shidara will tour the United States again, throughout the Western States in April 2008 with a company of eleven performers, technical and support staff, and 3000 pounds of drums. The company’s next North American tour will be in 2009-2010.

SHIN3
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Shin3  ["Shin to the power of 3"] is an ensemble of three female performers who have a background in taiko and Japanese folk dance. Shin3  also teaches, does kamishibai story-telling creates and performs original works, including such pieces as Shishimai (lion dance).

Shin is a root word that has multiple definitions but three were adopted to reflect the group’s core values. 1)  heart-mind  2)  truth  and,  3) trust.  Each of these three values are depicted as three distinct kanji.

As performers, Shin3 seeks to add originality, humor and audience interaction to its performances.   The members take joy in performing and teaching and every effort is made to interact and connect with the audience/students to share in that joy.

Shin3 consists of:  Audrey Nakasone, Elaine Fukumoto and Joyce Layne. Shin3 is affiliated with Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles.

SHINSHO MUGEN DAIKO
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Shinsho-Mugen Daiko was founded in 1999 by Ikuyo Conant.  Shinsho means “celestial bodies” and Mugen means “source of dreams.”  With this name we are striving to unify one’s individual experience with a wider collective understanding of self as part of the larger community.  The group focuses on development of fine art in Taiko drumming.  Taiko is a traditional form of Japanese drumming that incorporates those elements of martial art which focus on centering oneself in the grounded position, and the concentration, direction and controlling of energy and breathingShinsho-Mugen Daiko was founded in 1999 by Ikuyo Conant.  Shinsho means “celestial bodies” and Mugen means “source of dreams.”  With this name we are striving to unify one’s individual experience with a wider collective understanding of self as part of the larger community.  The group focuses on development of fine art in Taiko drumming.  Taiko is a traditional form of Japanese drumming that incorporates those elements of martial art which focus on centering oneself in the grounded position, and the concentration, direction and controlling of energy and breathing

SHIPPU UCHI DAIKO
YUASA, WAKAYAMA, JAPAN

SMOKIN’ BACHI TAIKO
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Smokin’ Bachi Taiko’s non-profit mission is to promote the art and culture of Japanese drumming and drum making. To us, art makes life worth living. We strive to bring beauty to the community by developing, sharing, and teaching the art form of Japanese Taiko Drumming. www.smokinbachi.com

We have fun practicing, performing, and producing music based mainly on the Japanese folk music, which we are constantly rearranging. The NATC is important to us to network, to learn new material and to study with others. We are located in the Wildmaker Art & Music School, where we share space with the Ethnosphere Music Lab, and a bunch of marimbas. www.artywildmakers.org Kenny Endo, Art Lee and Taiko Project have taught beneath our unicorn. We have two levels of ongoing classes. After 9 months, we completed our Odaiko in September. Her name is Wild Ma and has held up to the dryness and humidity of Northern New Mexico.

In the past year, Smokin’ Bachi Taiko has performed at the Santa Fe Institute, New Mexico State Penitentiary, Occam’s Razor Show, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe Complex, Akasha Entertainment Launch Party, Los Alamos Public Schools (with workshops), and Santa Fe Bandstand 2009. We held a screening of Bridge Media’s “The Spirit of Taiko”, with a short performance at the Santa Fe Film Center.

Always a highlight of our year, is performing at the Santa Fe JIN (Japanese Intercultural Network) Matsuri. Santa Fe JIN www.santafejin.org and Smokin’ Bachi Taiko are both 5 years old. This year, taiko was the cover story on the local weekly arts magazine, Passatiempo. Good quotes from Art Lee of Tokara and from SBT. The good press came out one day before the Matsuri and helped us have a standing room only crowd.

At this point, we haven’t been seeking shows so we can compose and arrange new material. Then, we were asked to play at the Santa Fe 400th Anniversary Commemorating 400 Years of Culture. http://santafe400th.com

SOH DAIKO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Inspired by the Midwest Buddhist Temple taiko group, the New York Buddhist Church YBA and adult advisors formed the first taiko group on the east coast in 1979. Rev. Hozen Seki provided the name “Soh Daiko,” using its pre-Buddhist meaning to indicate “peaceful, harmoniously working and drumming together.” Reorganized as an adult group, operating as a collective, the new members were primarily young activist Asian Americans.  With instruction from Rev. Miyamura, Rev. Kodani, Sensei Seiichi Tanaka (who transformed the group), Russel Baba, Eitetsu Hayashi, and many others. Instruction from the Tachibana Dance Group and members of the Kodo taiko group proved inspirational.  This friendship resulted in a unique joint concert, “Kodo/Soh Daiko: A Taiko Celebration” at the Japan Society in 1987.  Shortly afterwards, the group took its first trip to Japan, highlighted by a stay with the Kodo group on Sado Island.  The group has received critical acclaim from the New York Times and been featured on National Public Radio and public TV.  They are on the Lyrichord Disc label.

SONOMA COUNTY TAIKO
SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA
Sonoma County Taiko is a community based Taiko group founded in 1995 by Bruce, Paula and Arnold Shimizu. The Enmanji Temple in Sebastopol was their first home, SCT moved to Santa Rosa in 2000. SCT performs locally at schools and community events. SCT offers classes for children and adults. SCT was the first organizer of TAIKO CAMP held amongst the redwoods of Sonoma County and holds a Taiko and Japanese Culture Day Camp in the summer for children from 7-13. SCT’s mission is to Learn, Share and Promote Taiko as a Cultural Art-form. Sonoma County Taiko is a community based Taiko group founded in 1995 by Bruce, Paula and Arnold Shimizu. The Enmanji Temple in Sebastopol was their first home, SCT moved to Santa Rosa in 2000. SCT performs locally at schools and community events. SCT offers classes for children and adults. SCT was the first organizer of TAIKO CAMP held amongst the redwoods of Sonoma County and holds a Taiko and Japanese Culture Day Camp in the summer for children from 7-13. SCT’s mission is to Learn, Share and Promote Taiko as a Cultural Art-form.

ST. LOUIS OSUWA TAKO
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
The original Osuwa Taiko was formed by Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi in Suwa, Japan.  In 1986, Oguchi-sensei visited St. Louis (which is the sister city of Suwa) with a generous donation of hand-made taiko, and taught a few Osuwa Taiko songs to a group of interested kids.

The local kids, however, disbanded several years later when members left St. Louis to pursue their tertiary educations elsewhere. Among them was Kaoru Watanabe, who is now a member of KODO.  Another member was Joe Kimura.

St. Louis Osuwa Taiko was restarted at Washington University in September of 1996 when Joe returned from Stanford.  While attending Washington University medical school, he restarted the group with five members.  The new group gave its first performance during the MAASU Student Summit held at Washington University in November of 1996.

Since then, the group has evolved from an unofficial college group to a community group.  Our members come from a broad range of musical and dance backgrounds, which leads to some very different original pieces.  We also still play some of the pieces Oguchi-sensei taught the original group so many years ago.

The group has been invited to perform at numerous events and occasions, mostly in the mid-western region of the United States. We’ve collaborated with a choral group, a symphonic band, and even a circus!

We offer free, open taiko classes every September, and do anything we can to further our goal of promoting taiko as an art form.

STANFORD TAIKO
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA
Stanford Taiko is a student-run organization under the aegis of the Stanford University Department of Music.  Stanford Taiko was founded in 1992 by undergraduates Ann Ishimaru and Valerie Mih, who, after being inspired by a course taught by former San Jose Taiko member Susan Hayase, received a university grant to study taiko construction and build a drum.  Since then, Stanford Taiko has thrived and served the Stanford community both on and off campus.  The group contributes regularly to the university by performing at major university events such as Baccalaureate, Admit Weekend, New Student Orientation, Parent’s Weekend, and through its annual concert of all-original works.  Stanford Taiko also contributes to the Department of Music and Asian American Studies’ academic curriculum through its support of Stanford’s research seminar Perspectives in North American Taiko.  In 1995, Stanford Taiko founded the Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational, an annual event that brings together collegiate taiko groups from across the country to help strengthen the intercollegiate taiko community.  The invitational has quadrupled in size since its inception; attendance this coming year is expected to be over 200 taiko players representing a potential 16 groups.  Stanford Taiko has also concretized both internationally and domestically, with two tours each to Japan and Thailand, including performances at Thailand’s National Theatre, tours to Hawai’i and Seattle, and performances at the 2005 North American Taiko Conference’s Taiko Jam concerts.  Presently an ensemble of 17 undergraduate students, Stanford taiko comprises individuals of a wide variety of backgrounds that represent the diversity of the Stanford student body.  Each member is valuable to this consensus-based organization, taking an active role in the artistic vision of the ensemble.

STOCKTON BUKKYO TAIKO
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA
The Stickton Bukkyo Taiko group was founded in 1990 and follow the philosophy of the Buddhist “Kinnara” Taiko movement. The purpose of the group is to help its members better understand the Buddhist Teachings and themselves through the playing of the Taiko. Reverend David Matsumoto was the founder of the group and Reverend Charles Hasegawa is the current advisor. Mas Ishihara has throughout the history of the group provided knowledge, labor and guidance in making of taiko and equipment. The current instructor and artistic director is Earle Fox. Stockton Bukkyo Taiko is an affiliate organization of the Stockton Buddhist Temple.


TAIKO CENTER OF LOS ANGELES
MONTEBELLO, CALIFORNIA
The Taiko Center of Los Angeles was founded by Reverend Shuichi Thomas Kurai in January of 1997. The TCLA emphasizes the Japanese American cultural base of taiko, but presents it as a tradition that is integrally part of the Southern California intercultural mix, open to enthusiasts of all ethnicities, religions, and abilities. TCLA started with just a handful of participants and now has over 100 active participants. Two performing ensembles were established: “Satori Daiko” (Drums of Enlightenment) in 1999 and “Shinzen Daiko” (Compassionate Heart) in 2004. The formation of Satori Daiko is described in detail in Speak It Louder: Asian Americans Making Music, by Deborah Wong (Routledge, 2004). These two ensembles perform throughout Southern California, the U.S. and in Japan as well. Satori Daiko has performed at the John Anson Ford Theater and at the Aratani/Japan American Theater. In June of2003, Satori Daiko released a CD titled Kyokusen, Flowing Path. The recording is an eclectic mix of taiko music with Japanese traditional instruments such as the koto, shamisen, and yokobue with touches of world music, including samba, gamelan, and even jazz tap dance. The TCLA offers taiko classes taught by Rev. Kurai and his staff. Lessons are conducted throughout the year. Fundamentals of taiko drumming, such as stance (kata) and developing energy (ki) to learning fundamental taiko skills are learned in the beginning classes. Higher level taiko skills are learned in the intermediate classes.

TAIKO CENTER OF THE PACIFIC
HONOLULU, HAWAII
Established in 1994, Taiko Center of the Pacific (TCP) is a school of traditional and contemporary Japanese drumming based in Honolulu with more than 125 students. Classes are offered to the general public for all ages (ranging from 3-83) and all skill levels, through the auspices of Kapiolani College located at the foothills of Diamond Head Crater in Honolulu. Classes emphasize technique, form, philosophy, creativity, and respect. Taiko Center of the Pacific - Youth Group, is a youth performing group, currently ages 10-17, based at TCP. They have performed at many festivals and community events including the Makaha Bash, Aloha and Honolulu Festivals, Honolulu Symphony Educational Series, and more. The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble is also based at TCP (see separate entry). Current TCP instructors include: Chizuko Endo, Kirstin Pauka and Eric Chang with Kenny Endo as Artistic Director.

TAIKO KAUAI
HANAPEPE, HAWAII
Taiko Kaua’i was formed in January of 2001, and we are currently based in the town of Hanapepe, on the island of Kaua’i, in Hawai’i. From its inception, Taiko Kaua’i has been guided by three major goals. 1) To promote and perpetuate the artistry and culture of taiko playing. 2) To foster physical fitness and well-being. 3) To have fun! What we do in our group is truly a collective effort, in that we have no real sensei. Kenny Endo of the Taiko Center of the Pacific, was instrumental in getting our group up and running, and still works with us whenever he is on Kaua’i. Over the years, we’ve been grateful to have received help and instruction from members of many other taiko groups including Hawai’i Matsuri Taiko, Zenshin Daiko, Watanabe Taiko, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, San Jose Taiko, Taiko Ren, Taikoz, and Kodo. Also, our members attend various taiko workshops in Hawai’i, the U.S. mainland and Japan, to bring back what they have learned. We are a community-based group of about 17 members, most of them have been with us from the beginning. We build most of the drums we play, including odaiko, chu-daiko and shime-daiko. While public performances are not a priority for us, we always perform at local bon dances during the summer obon season, and throughout the year at various private and public venues. If you are planning a future visit to our island of Kaua’i, please contact us. We always welcome guests from the world taiko community. Aloha.

TAIKO TIDES
STONY BROOK, NEW YORK

TAIKOPROJECT
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
The TAIKOPROJECT was founded in 2000 in Los Angeles, California. The group was conceived by Bryan Yamami with the idea of bringing together the best young taiko players in North America to create an innovative theatrical production celebrating American taiko. That show, TAIKOPROJECT: (re)generation, seamlessly blends taiko with storytelling, music, hip hoop choreography, multi-media and dance. TAIKOPROJECT: (re)generation made its world premiere tour Fall, 2003 - Spring, 2004.

In Spring, 2005, the TAIKOPROJECT performed in Mitsubishi Motors of North American’s National Ad Campaign in a breathtaking 60-second commercial spot that was one of the highest rated commercials of 2005.

In Fall, 2005, the TAIKOPROJECT traveled to Japan for the first time to represent American taiko at the 4th Annual Tokyo International Taiko Contest. The TAIKOPROJECT was the first American taiko group to participate in the internationally-recognized event. The TAIKOPROJECT made history and took home the top prize, First Place, in the Adult Group category, becoming then, the first American taiko group to win the entire contest.

In Summer, 2007, TP played at the L.A.Coliseum for Dynamite 2007, one of the largest mixed-martial arts events in the U.S., broadcast on the Showtime cable network. TP was also cast n David Mamet’s 2007 independent film entitled “Red Belt”.

The TAIKOPROJECT is endorsed by the Asano Taiko Company, Ltd., one of Japan’s oldest and more prestigious taiko drum-makers.

TATSUMAKI TAIKO
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA

THE GREATE LAKES TAIKO CENTER/ RAION TAIKO
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Contact: Brian Sole
Email: raion.taiko@gmail.com
Web: http://greatlakestaikocenter.squarespace.com

Raion Taiko began in Michigan in 2005 out of a desire to create an opportunity for the people of Michigan to experience Japanese taiko drumming. After two years of practicing and performing at various events, Brian and Mayumi Sole, the founders, felt the desire to strive for a higher level of taiko playing. In 2007, they moved to Kanazawa, Japan, so that they could study taiko at Asano Taiko under the instruction and guidance of the members of Hono Taiko. After two years of intense study and practice, Brian and Mayumi will return to Michigan this year. In January of 2010, they will begin sharing the joys of taiko through education and performances.

TOGEN DAIKO
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA
Togen Daiko was formed in April 1996, at the Oxnard Buddhist Temple in Oxnard, California. Our public debut was only two months later at the Oxnard Obon Festival. Togen Daiko’s performance pieces and style have been a group effort and shaped by our current Artistic Director, Bruce Arikawa, a member of Los Angeles’s Kinnara Taiko, who came on board and took over the teaching job in 1997. Several of the members are from the same family and the group enjoys “bridging the gap”. As parents play alongside their children, this helps the group create a variety of performance pieces that both our young, as well as, our young-at-heart members enjoy playing. We continue to expand our repertoire mixing visual movements with a variety of taiko styles. Being one of the few Ventura County taiko groups, we share the distinctive taiko sounds with communities from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo.

TRIANGLE TAIKO
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Triangle Taiko, an affiliation of the Nippon (Japan) Club, is a not for profit group, founded in January 2002. We are a diverse group from various cultural backgrounds, and range in age from college students to full time working adults and retirees. Our focus is to explore, study and perform the traditional styles of drumming and music in the Japanese culture. Triangle Taiko welcomes new members who wish to join and participate in the celebration of diversity and the Japanese-American cultural exchange. Our motto is sharing the spirit of taiko with the world, and we perform throughout North Carolina at community events, schools, and various festivals.

TSUKASA TAIKO
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

TUCSON TAIKO KYOKAI
TUCSON, ARIZONA
We are a group of Taiko players committed to promoting Taiko and sharing enthusiasm, while helping each other to improve our collective Taiko skills.


UCONN TAIKO
STORRS, CONNETICUT
UConn Taiko is a student drumming group, based at University of Connecticut. Formed in the Fall of 2004 as a student club, members of UConn Taiko explore the art of taiko drumming and strive to perfect their rhythm and form while learning about Japanese culture. UConn Taiko has participated in university sponsored events including R.A.C.E., Asian Night, World Fest, and concluded its successful year with a joint performance with O-Tatsu Taiko.

UMINARI TAIKO
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
“Uminari,” roughly translated, means “ocean’s roar;” it is both the sound of crashing waves and the silence in between. We are a non-profit, community-focused group based in Victoria, B.C., closely affiliated with the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, and we have the distinction of being Vancouver Island’s first taiko ensemble.

Our primary goal is to indulge in and share our love of kumi-daiko with our local community. As such, it is our aim to continually challenge ourselves and to improve both as individuals in all of our respective endeavours and as group members dedicated to gaining knowldege of, and skill in, the art of kumi-daiko. We’re grateful for the opportunities afforded by the bi-annual North American Taiko Conferences, and 2009 marks the forth time in which members of Uminari Taiko will be in attendance.


WADAIKO
NEWARK, CALIFORNIA

WAJIMA KIRIKO DAIKO HOZONKAI
ISHIKAWA, JAPAN
The Wajima Kiriko Daiko Hozonkai is a Japan cultural preservation taiko group that emphasizes strongly on the cultural and historical significance of the grand kiriko festivals of the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan in addition to the instruction of the Kiriko Daiko playing style. The group established their first US branch here in Los Angeles in 2008 with a mission to introduce and succeed the cultural traditions of the Noto Kiriko Festivals in America.

Kiriko Daiko is a taiko style specific only to the Noto Peninsula. The taiko is played in an upright style, usually with two people or up to five to seven people on a single drum. Unlike performance taiko where songs are performed, Kiriko Daiko allows for versatility - it allows the player to combine any of the Kiriko Daiko rhythms they have studied in any order. It is this freedom that makes Kiriko Daiko a dynamic and exciting taiko style to both perform and watch.

WATSONVILLE TAIKO
WASTSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA
Watsonville Taiko, founded by Jim Hooker in September 1991, is a Taiko drumming community of performers and supporters.  Ikuyo Conant, artistic director since 1992, set the group’s goal to strive through exploration of Taiko to develop an art that combines drumming with folklore, mythology and symbolism.  Taiko as folk art is emphasized because it places value on joining with others to keep traditions alive.  Important values and social meanings are found in the context of full participation and understanding of cultural traditions.  By working together, the group learns that each person is valued as an important member of the community.

WLA TAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA


YOKAYO TAIKO
UKIAH, CALIFORNIA

YOKI DAIKO
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Yoki Daiko (Joyous Drumming) was formed during the summer of 1996 at the Tenrikyo Church in response to spirited enthusiasm by its members to form a taiko group. Through the dynamic energy of Japanese drumming, Yoki Daiko shares their efforts to create a joyous life where all people of the world can live together as brothers and sisters. Since the group’s beginnings thirteen years ago, Yoki Daiko has performed at a variety of festivals, special events, and concerts including the Los Angeles Lotus Festival, Thousand Oaks Tropical Daze Music Festival, and the Oyasato Parade in Tenri, Japan.