Interviews
Reasons for starting taiko in America
Beginning by myself, and the big reaction. So that make us feel so good. Then especially Issei, first generation—ladies and gentlemen, jichan, bachan, ojisan, obasan ne—they’re very happy when we play drum. So I thought play taiko make them happy. Maybe doing taiko may be [a] good thing—not only just enjoy myself, but I can contribute something to the community. That come to my mind. Then personal…more personally, drumming, I like the drumming. But if I do American drum in this country, so many masters. So Japanese taiko dattara (if I play Japanese taiko) I can contribute. That time, not too many people were doing. And public performance, I don’t think nobody did it, such as parade. So I went back to Ono Sensei to make a taiko ensemble—more different drum—so we can make music instead of just noise.
Date: January 27, 2005
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Art Hansen, Sojin Kim
Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum.
Explore More Videos
Changing the taiko rhythm from Japanese to Afro-Cuban
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
Friction between Sensei and Kinnara in defining taiko
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
American influences on Japanese taiko
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
Appreciating Kinnara Taiko's approach to taiko
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
A Japanese American gardening dance
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
Taiko is a reflection of where you live
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
Playing traditional gagaku while creating an identity
Senshin Buddhist Temple minister and co-founder of Kinnara Taiko.
Feeling empowered by taiko
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
Taiko as self-expression
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
Diverse membership in San Jose Taiko
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
Bringing Japanese American taiko to Japan
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
A “principally-based” taiko group in England creating a global taiko community
Co-founder and creative director of San Jose Taiko
Developing an original kata
(b.1951) Co-founder and managing director of San Jose Taiko.