Kay Fukumoto

(b.1960) Third-generation taiko drummer, leader of Maui Taiko

Taiko as a family tradition Obon and the community Taiko from the old days Taiko as a family activity Participation in community events The multicultural perspective Focus on peace Mothers and Taiko

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Kay Fukumoto, of Maui Taiko, continues a multi-generational family tradition of playing taiko at local, annual Obon festivals that began with her grandfather and great-grandfather and now includes her husband and son. Though the Maui Taiko group was formed officially in 1996, it has been operating informally on Maui, Hawaii for over 100 years.

In 1970, at the age of ten, Kay was the first girl to be allowed to play the taiko at an Obon festival on the island of Maui. She now leads Maui Taiko, which plays at 16 different temples during the Obon festival season. In 2001, she coordinated a trip for the group to perform taiko in Fukushima and Hiroshima, Japan. (July 9, 2004)

family taiko traditions obon fukushima ondo community hawaii identity maui taiko