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The philosophy of playing Taiko

Whether they’re playing it the right way I think is the big question for us because, for us, it’s more than an instrument, more than just music. It’s because, like I said, it’s the philosophy of playing. I think for us, it’s really more of a lifestyle. It’s a way of life that’s really being engrained in how we kind of do everything. So it’s not just coming once a week and playing on a barrel drum. It’s really gone beyond that.

We’ve always said that’s the question, “What is a Taiko player?” Or at least like to ask that question. Is a Taiko player just because you’re sitting there and you have a hachimaki on, a happi coat, and you’re play with bachi? Is that a Taiko player? Or is a Taiko player someone that’s playing in the orchestra, and they happen to have a Taiko there? Is that a Taiko player? If it’s in a jazz set, is that a Taiko player? If you’re in the middle of the Midwest playing Taiko, is that a Taiko player? Or if you’re here in San Jose, are you a Taiko player? I think it really does come down to the spirit and philosophy again and understanding where all that comes from versus not just playing just a big drum. I think that’s the challenge for Taiko in the future—being able to retain that spirit.


California drum identity music San Jose San Jose Taiko taiko United States

Date: January 26, 2005

Location: California, US

Interviewer: Art Hansen, Sojin Kim

Contributed by: Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum

Interviewee Bio

Roy Hirabayashi, managing director and co-founder of San Jose Taiko, was born in Berkeley, California in 1951 to kibei parents. The middle of five children, he was raised in Oakland, California. After graduating from high school in 1969, he attended San Jose State University where he received degrees in psychology and philosophy.

He has worked for the San Jose State University Asian American Studies Program, Japanese American Citizens League, the Pacific Asian Coalition, and the Buddhist Churches of America. It was through his work with the YBA (Young Buddhists of America) that he became involved with taiko. Reverend Hiroshi Abiko of San Jose Buddhist Church asked Dean Miyakusu and him to start something for the youth after being inspired by Kinnara Taiko. They started the group and it has since evolved into one of the most influential taiko groups in the Americas. (January 26, 2005)

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