(Japanese) For me, the dojo is a place for discipline. For myself, “I need discipline to live in United States.” I don’t have an American education and I did not grow up in this country. So, without the American background, I think, I can help myself by concentrating on taiko playing that provides the discipline that I need. And so, I feel that the important thing is you’ve got to enjoy playing taiko. Now, that’s what feels right for me.
As for my manner and Confucianism (reference to Asian values), these things won’t change. “I never change.” “Through practice, (there’s) pain, but after that we all get together -- enjoy. And practice hard, and perform -- enjoy. That’s my taiko philosophy now.
Date: January 27, 2005
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Art Hansen, Sojin Kim
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum.
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