Kyodo - "Encore Remix" (Kyodo Taiko- "Encore Remix")

Kyodo used to play "Encore" at the end of all of their performances, for it was the group's signiature piece. However, because last year was a year of innovation, "Encore" was remixed and became "Encore Remix." The clip here is of "Encore Remix" at the 2007 Kyodo Taiko Spring Concert (minus the solos). Enjoy!

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Kyodo Taiko- "Encore Remix"

Kyodo used to play "Encore" at the end of all of their performances, for it was the group's signiature piece. However, because last year was a year of innovation, "Encore" was remixed and became "Encore Remix." The clip here is of "Encore Remix" at the 2007 Kyodo Taiko Spring Concert (minus the solos). Enjoy!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Andrew Lin - A Newbie Perspective (Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Lin's Newbie Perspective)

Andrew Lin was a 2006 Kyodo newbie. In this clip, he explains how he discovered Kyodo, and why he decided to try out for the team.

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Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Lin's Newbie Perspective

Andrew Lin was a 2006 Kyodo newbie. In this clip, he explains how he discovered Kyodo, and why he decided to try out for the team.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Jason Osajima - On "Yonsei" (Kyodo Taiko - Jason Osajima - On "Yonsei")

Jason Osajima is a recent Kyodo graduate, and composer of "Yonsei." Here, he speaks of the idea behind the hit, and the meaning that he hopes the song will convey. The actual song follows.
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Kyodo Taiko - Jason Osajima - On "Yonsei"

Jason Osajima is a recent Kyodo graduate, and composer of "Yonsei." Here, he speaks of the idea behind the hit, and the meaning that he hopes the song will convey.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Class of 2003! (Kyodo Taiko - Class of 2003!)

This awesome group represents the Kyodo class of 2003, one of the most influential groups to come through Kyodo. Thanks for everything. :)

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Kyodo Taiko - Class of 2003!

This awesome group represents the Kyodo class of 2003, one of the most influential groups to come through Kyodo. Thanks for everything. :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Class of 2004! (Kyodo Taiko - Class of 2004!)

Kyodo Taiko - Class of 2004!

This group of ladies represent the Kyodo class of 2004! From back to front: Aya Ino, Hitomi Kubo, Janelle Lin, Candice Shikai, Erin Cavenaugh, Jess Wong.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

The Real Kyodo (Kyodo Taiko - The Real Kyodo)

Ahhh, alas, our true colors shine through. Ladies and gentlemen, I present... Kyodo Taiko!!!

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Kyodo Taiko - The Real Kyodo

Ahhh, alas, our true colors shine through. Ladies and gentlemen, I present... Kyodo Taiko!!!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Randy Maekawa (Kyodo Taiko - Randy Maekawa)

Randy Maekawa graduated after my first year playing with Kyodo. He was "the cool guy." He's now in Japan. We love Randy!
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Kyodo Taiko - Randy Maekawa

Randy Maekawa graduated after my first year playing with Kyodo. He was "the cool guy." He's now in Japan. We love Randy!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Practice (Kyodo Taiko - Practice)

Here, Kyodo members practiced their Culture Night performances in front of an audience.

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Kyodo Taiko - Practice

Here, Kyodo members practiced their Culture Night performances in front of an audience.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Kyodo Newbies 2006-2007 (Kyodo Taiko - Newbies 2006-2007)

This is the Kyodo Newbie class of 2006-2007. They are 10 large, and together they wrote "Taiza," which was performed at the Kyodo Taiko Spring Concert the same year.

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Kyodo Taiko - Newbies 2006-2007

This is the Kyodo Newbie class of 2006-2007. They are 10 large, and together they wrote "Taiza," which was performed at the Kyodo Taiko Spring Concert the same year.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Karen Nakasato (Kyodo Taiko - Karen Nakasato)

Karen is one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies, and holds the "shortest member" record. :) She is a cutie.

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Kyodo Taiko - Karen Nakasato

Karen is one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies, and holds the "shortest member" record. :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Vanessa Yee (Kyodo Taiko - Vanessa Yee)

Vanessa is one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies. She has immense, and distinct, spirit. :)

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Kyodo Taiko - Vanessa Yee

Vanessa is one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies. She has immense, and distinct, spirit. :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Zachary Scott (Kyodo Taiko - Zachary Scott)

Zach is a recent Kyodo newbie, and an extremely artistic person. He designed both our team shirts and the Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational shirts this year.

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Kyodo Taiko - Zachary Scott

Zach is a recent Kyodo newbie, and an extremely artistic person. He designed both our team shirts and the Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational shirts this year.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Stacy Young (Kyodo Taiko - Stacy Young)

Stacy was a fellow Kyodo class member. Her agility and rhythm contributed a great deal to our newbie song, "Korekara." Here, Stacy is posing for the slideshow she made to accompany "Korekara." Our theme was "Street Fighter."

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Kyodo Taiko - Stacy Young

Stacy was a fellow Kyodo class member. Her agility and rhythm contributed a great deal to our newbie song, "Korekara." Here, Stacy is posing for the slideshow she made to accompany "Korekara." Our theme was "Street Fighter."

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Nate Imai (Kyodo Taiko - Nate Imai)

Kyodo Taiko - Nate Imai

Nate Imai is a fellow Kyodo class member, and adds a lot to the feel and essence of the class. Here, he plays "Encore Remix" at the 2007 Nikkei Student Union Culture Night.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Minoru Nishida (Kyodo Taiko - Minoru Nishida)

Minoru was a Kyodo director in 2005-2006 with Christine Kimura. I've never heard this guy off beat, ever. Here, he plays at the Asian Pacific Islander Graduation at UCLA.

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Kyodo Taiko - Minoru Nishida

Minoru was a Kyodo director in 2005-2006 with Christine Kimura. I've never heard this guy off beat, ever. Here, he plays at the Asian Pacific Islander Graduation at UCLA.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Mimi Yang (Kyodo Taiko - Mimi Yang)

Mimi is a member of the most recent Kyodo newbie class. Her form is beautiful, and she really adds a touch of sunshine to everybody's day.

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Kyodo Taiko - Mimi Yang

Mimi is a member of the most recent Kyodo newbie class. Her form is beautiful, and she really adds a touch of sunshine to everybody's day.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Mickie Okamoto (Kyodo Taiko - Mickie Okamoto)

Kyodo Taiko - Mickie Okamoto

Mickie Okamoto is a fellow Kyodo class member, and she's a wonderful person and player. Because she is the oldest in our class, I think we all look up to her. Here, Mickie is playing at the Mazanar Pilgrimmage performance.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Kene Kubo (Kyodo Taiko - Kene Kubo)

Kene is a recent Kyodo graduate, and was known (to me at least) for his crazy ability to flip his bachi. Here, he plays at the Asian Pacific Islander Graduation at UCLA.

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Kyodo Taiko - Kene Kubo

Kene is a recent Kyodo graduate, and was known (to me at least) for his crazy ability to flip his bachi. Here, he plays at the Asian Pacific Islander Graduation at UCLA.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Jon Shintaku (Kyodo Taiko - Jon Shintaku)

Jon Shintaku played with Kyodo during my first year with the team. His quirky charisma added a little something extra to the feel of the group. :)

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Kyodo Taiko - Jon Shintaku

Jon Shintaku played with Kyodo during my first year with the team. His quirky charisma added a little something extra to the feel of the group. :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Janelle Lin (Kyodo Taiko - Janelle Lin)

Janelle Lin was a Kyodo director with Jessica Wong during the 2006-2007 school year. Her intensity and strength really make her unique.

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Kyodo Taiko - Janelle Lin

Janelle Lin was a Kyodo director with Jessica Wong during the 2006-2007 school year. Her intensity and strength really make her unique.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Aya Ino (Kyodo Taiko - Aya Ino)

Aya Ino has been playing with Kyodo for three years, and is entering her senior year at UCLA. Here, she plays "Encore Remix" at the 2007 Zenshuji Obon in Little Tokyo.

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Kyodo Taiko - Aya Ino

Aya Ino has been playing with Kyodo for three years, and is entering her senior year at UCLA. Here, she plays "Encore Remix" at the 2007 Zenshuji Obon in Little Tokyo.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Christine Kimura (Kyodo Taiko - Christine Kimura)

Kyodo Taiko - Christine Kimura

Christine Kimura was a Kyodo director for the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 school years, and is a recent Kyodo graduate. Hopefully, her talent and leadership abilities have rubbed off on the rest of the team!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Craig Ishii (Kyodo Taiko - Craig Ishii)

Craig is a recent Kyodo graduate, and was the President of the Nikkei Student Union. :)His energy, spirit and knowledge will remain with the team for years to come.

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Kyodo Taiko - Craig Ishii

Craig is a recent Kyodo graduate, and was the President of the Nikkei Student Union. :)His energy, spirit and knowledge will remain with the team for years to come.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Keiko Harada (Kyodo Taiko - Keiko Harada)

Keiko Harada is a recent Kyodo newbie, and a quick learner. Here, she plays "Swing" at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon in Little Tokyo.

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Kyodo Taiko - Keiko Harada

Keiko Harada is a recent Kyodo newbie, and a quick learner. Here, she plays "Swing" at the Zenshuji Obon in Little Tokyo.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Andrew Lin (Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Lin)

Andrew Lin is a recent newbie and a taiko enthusiast. Here, he plays his first "Swing" solo at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon in Little Tokyo.

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Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Lin

Andrew Lin is a recent newbie and a taiko enthusiast. Here, he plays his first "Swing" solo at the Zenshuji Obon in Little Tokyo.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Kevin Suda (Kyodo Taiko - Kevin Suda)

Kevin Suda is a current Kyodo director, and a fellow Kyodo class member. Here, he plays "Matsuri" at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon in Little Tokyo.

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Kyodo Taiko - Kevin Suda

Kevin Suda is a current Kyodo director, and a fellow Kyodo class member. Here, he plays "Matsuri" at the Zenshuji Obon in Little Tokyo.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Elizabeth Ishida (Kyodo Taiko - Liz Ishida)

This is me, at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon, 2007.
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Kyodo Taiko - Liz Ishida

This is me at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon, 2007.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Hitomi Kubo (Kyodo Taiko - Hitomi Kubo)

Here, Hitomi is playing at the NSU Fall Fest at UCLA. She was a three-year Kyodo member, and a sweetie.

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Kyodo Taiko - Hitomi Kubo

Here, Hitomi is playing at the NSU Fall Fest at UCLA. She was a three-year Kyodo member, and a sweetie.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Hikari Nishida (Kyodo Taiko - Hikari Nishida)

Hikari Nishida graduated after fall quarter of my first year playing with Kyodo, but she definately left her mark. She is always present at our concerts and performances, supporting her team all along the way. (she's in red!)

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Kyodo Taiko - Hikari Nishida

Hikari Nishida graduated after fall quarter of my first year playing with Kyodo, but she definately left her mark, and she was always present at our concerts and performances, supporting her team all along the way.
(she's in red!)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Erin Cavenaugh (Kyodo Taiko - Erin Cavenaugh)

Erin Cavenaugh was a three-year Kyodo Taiko member. Her violin pieces with Allan Kaku last year and both Allan and Andrew Lin this year made her extra famous!

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Kyodo Taiko - Erin Cavenaugh

Erin Cavenaugh was a three-year Kyodo Taiko member. Her violin pieces with Allan Kaku last year and both Allan and Andrew Lin this year made her extra famous!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Edward Kobayashi (Kyodo Taiko - Edward Kobayashi)

Edward Kobayashi, also one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies, shows the importance of having a little fun. The newbies dressed up as "Super Smash Brothers" characters for their song, "Taiza," in the 2007 Kyodo Taiko spring concert.

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Kyodo Taiko - Edward Kobayashi

Edward Kobayashi, also one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies, shows the importance of having a little fun. The newbies dressed up as Super Smash Brothers characters for their song in the 2007 Kyodo Taiko spring concert.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Dan Kao (Kyodo Taiko - Dan Kao)

Dan Kao is the oldest newbie of the year. A constant taiko rec. class attendee last year, Dan was ready to play with Kyodo this year. He is seen here playing the shime in "Taiza," right behind Karen Nakasato.
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Kyodo Taiko - Dan Kao

Dan Kao is the oldest newbie of the year. A constant taiko rec. class attendee last year, Dan was ready to play with Kyodo this year.

He is seen here playing the shime in "Taiza," to the left of Karen Nakasato.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Andrew Chen (Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Chen)

Chen, a recent Kyodo newbie, is a quick learner and a talented player. He is seen here playing at the 2007 Manzanar Pilgrimmage.

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Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Chen

Chen, a recent Kyodo newbie, is a quick learner and a talented player. He is seen here playing at the 2007 Manzanar Pilgrimmage.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Candice Shikai (Kyodo Taiko - Candice Shikai)

Candice Shikai is extremely talented, no questions asked. She is an up and coming taiko composer, hoping to debut her song in the near future! Here she is seen playing "Yatai" at the 2007 Kyodo Taiko Spring Concert.

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Kyodo Taiko - Candice Shikai

Candice Shikai is extremely talented, no questions asked. She is an up and coming taiko composer, hoping to debut her song in the near future! Here she is seen playing "Yatai" at the 2007 Kyodo Taiko Spring Concert.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Allan Kaku (Kyodo Taiko - Allan Kaku)

Kyodo Taiko - Allan Kaku

Known for his extra loud kiai! Allan Kaku is a fellow Kyodo class member, an academic classmate, and a good friend. Rock on!

Jessica Wong (Kyodo Taiko - Jessica Wong)

Jess was Kyodo External Director in 2006-2007, along with Janelle Lin. It was the year of re-invention, and re-invent we did.

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Kyodo Taiko - Jessica Wong

Jess was Kyodo External Director for 2006-2007 along with Janelle Lin. It was the year of re-invention, and re-invent we did.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Emily Mukai (Kyodo Taiko - Emily Mukai)

Emily Mukai is in my class, which gives her an extra special place in my heart. I adore her passion for taiko. To top it off, she's super talented.

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Kyodo Taiko - Emily Mukai

Emily Mukai is in my class, which gives her an extra special place in my heart. I adore her passion for taiko. To top it off, she's super talented.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Jason Osajima (Kyodo Taiko - Jason Osajima)

Kyodo Taiko - Jason Osajima

Jason Osajima, aka Mother Duckling / Snow White.

He took my newbie class under his wing, much like a mother duckling would do. And, since there were seven of us, he was given the name "Snow White."

Signiature phrase: "It's cool it's cool."

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Megumi Tomatsu (Kyodo Taiko - Megumi Tomatsu)

Megumi Tomatsu was a five-year Kyodo member, the best kind! We love her!

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Kyodo Taiko - Megumi Tomatsu

Megumi Tomatsu was a five-year Kyodo member, the best kind! We love her!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

The Cheer (Kyodo Taiko - The Cheer)

Kyodo = family Kyodo = loud children (literally). Before performing, Kyodo congregates into a large circle and does their traditional cheer to prepare for the performance. Persoanlly, this cheer helps me to mentally prepare for the intensity that is to come. IKUZO! GAMBARUZO! MAKENAIZO!

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Kyodo Taiko - The Cheer

Kyodo = family
Kyodo = loud children (literally)
Before performing, Kyodo congregates into a large circle and does their traditional cheer to prepare for the performance.
Persoanlly, this cheer helps me to mentally prepare for the intensity that is to come.
IKUZO! GAMBARUZO! MAKENAIZO!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

"Matsuri" at Zenshuji Obon (Kyodo Taiko - "Matsuri" at Zenshuji Soto Mission Obon)

Kyodo performed a 30 minute set at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon in Little Tokyo on Sunday, July 8, 2007. "Matsuri" was the second song in the set, and is often played at Kyodo's performances. It is a song often taught to and performed by the newbies early on. However, it is a song that many Kyodo veterans love to play. So, this obon "Matsuri" set-list was dominated by the veterans. :)

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Kyodo Taiko - "Matsuri" at Zenshuji Soto Mission Obon

Kyodo Taiko of UCLA performed a 30 minute set at the Zenshuji Obon in Little Tokyo on Sunday, July 8. "Matsuri" was the second song in the set, and is often played at Kyodo's performances. It is a song often taught to and performed by the newbies early on. However, it is a song that many Kyodo veterans love to play. So, this obon "Matsuri" set-list was dominated by the veterans. :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Mickie in a Barrel (Kyodo Taiko - Mickie in a Barrel)

To relieve the stress accumulated from this laborous drum-making activity, Mickie Okamoto decided to see if she could fit into a barrel. She got a little stuck, but she was okay. :)

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Kyodo Taiko - Mickie in a Barrel

To relieve the stress accumulated from this laborous drum-making activity, Mickie Okamoto decided to see if she could fit into a barrel. She got a little stuck, but she was okay. :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Sanding the Drum (Kyodo Taiko - Sanding the Drums)

Approximately every two or three years, Kyodo members improve their drums. This year, we needed to paint the barrels a different color. So, here you see drummers sanding off the old paint, preparing the barrel for the new color.

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Kyodo Taiko - Sanding the Drums

Approximately every two or three years, Kyodo members improve their drums. This year, we needed to paint the barrels a different color. So, here you see drummers sanding off the old paint, preparing the barrel for the new color.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Rai (Kyodo Taiko - "Rai")

Kyodo Taiko - "Rai"

Kyodo performed at the UCLA NSU Culture Night in 2006. One of the four pieces played was "Rai," an intense piece symbolizing thunder, rain, storms, and finally, calm.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Hey! (Kyodo Taiko - Hey!)

Kyodo Taiko - Hey!

These is a picture of Craig Ishii and Janelle Lin at the 2006 NSU Culture Night, held at UCLA's Royce Hall. The two played the shime part for "Yonsei's" debut.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Kyodo Taiko 2006-2007

This team picture was taken at the New Otani Japanese Garden before a performance in Little Tokyo.

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This team picture was taken at the New Otani Japanese Garden before a performance in Little Tokyo.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Children's Day Performance (Kyodo Taiko - Children's Day Performance)

Each year, Little Tokyo holds Family Fun Fest in celebration of Children's Day. This day of celebration includes the Chibi-K Kids for Kids Fun Run, the San Tai San Basketball Tournament, games, food, workshops and performances. Kyodo members were present this year throughout the entire day, helping with the various activities. When it came time for Kyodo to perform, they were pumped. To me, this picture shows the spirit of the team. This jump is part of our Encore piece, and is near the end of the song. Yay!

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Kyodo Taiko - Children's Day Performance

Each year, Little Tokyo holds Family Fun Fest in celebration of Children's Day. This day of celebration includes the Chibi-K Kids for Kids Fun Run, the San Tai San Basketball Tournament, games, food, workshops and performances. Kyodo members were present this year throughout the entire day, helping with the various activities. When it came time for Kyodo to perform, they were pumped. To me, this picture shows the spirit of the team. This jump is part of our Encore piece, and is near the end of the song. Yay!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Yonsei (Kyodo Taiko - "Yonsei")

"Yonsei" is both a team and a crowd favorite. When you watch it, you'll see why. This clip shows the first half of this piece. Enjoy!

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Kyodo Taiko - "Yonsei"

"Yonsei" was written by recent Kyodo alumn, Jason Osajima. It is both a team and a crowd favorite. When you watch it, you'll see why. This clip shows the first half of this piece. Enjoy!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Taiza (Kyodo Taiko - Taiza)

The clip above is "Taiza," a piece written by the Kyodo Newbies of 2006-2007. The masterminds are, in no particular order, Vanessa Yee, Mimi Yang, Karen Nakasato, Keiko Harada, Dan Kao, Andrew Chen, Andrew Lin, David Okikawa, Zachary Scott and Edward Kobayashi. Enjoy!

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Kyodo Taiko - Taiza

Every year, the Kyodo directors ask their newbies to collaborate and compose a piece together. This piece should be a representation of the class as a whole, and all are to contribute. Speaking as a participant of this activity, I wholeheartedly declare that it was the best thing we could have done as a class. It brought us closer and taught us how to work together peacefully. As an observer of this activity, I must say that it is so rewarding to witness a group of new drummers work so hard together to create their masterpiece. The clip above is "Taiza," a piece written by the Kyodo Newbies of 2006-2007. The masterminds are, in no particular order, Vanessa Yee, Mimi Yang, Karen Nakasato, Keiko Harada, Dan Kao, Andrew Chen, Andrew Lin, David Okikawa, Zachary Scott and Edward Kobayashi. Enjoy!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Culture Night 2006 (Kyodo Taiko - Culture night 2006)

Kyodo Taiko - Culture night 2006

Here, recent alumni, Jason Osajima and Kene Kubo, play Eikyo, a piece composed by Christine Kimura. The piece is very powerful, and uses multiple drums sizes and styles, including chu daikos on down stands, chu daikos on sukeroku stands, an odaiko on a miyake stand, and shime daiko on shime stands.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance II (Kyodo Taiko - UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance II)

Kyodo Taiko - UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance II

Every year, Kyodo Taiko performs for the half-time show of a UCLA basketball game. In 2007, as you can see, we had a large number of players available to perform, which made the performance that much better!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Street Fighter - Victory Pose (Kyodo Taiko - Street Fighter, Victory Pose)

Beginning in 2004, each Kyodo newbie class has been asked to co-write a song to be debuted at the Nikkei Student Union's culture night in February. The newbies work extra hard creating and composing their masterpieces. In 2005, the newbie class decided, after their culture night debut, that they would alter their song, "Korekara," slightly. This new and improved version was played at Kyodo's spring concert that year, complete with traditional Street Fighter attire.

The idea for the costumes originated during culture night practices, when members had too little to do, and way too much time on their hands. The result was absolute genius.

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Kyodo Taiko - Street Fighter, Victory Pose

Beginning in 2004, the Kyodo newbie class has been asked to co-write a song to be debuted at the Nikkei Student Union's culture night in February. The newbies work extra hard creating and composing their masterpieces. In 2005, the newbie class decided, after their culture night debut, that they would alter their song, "Korekara," slightly. This new and improved version was played at Kyodo's spring concert that year, complete with traditional street fighter attire.

The idea for the costumes originated during culture night practices, when members had too little to do, and way too much time on their hands. The result was absolute genius.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Tengu Performance (Kyodo Taiko - Tengu Performance)

In May, shortly before Kyodo co-hosted the 13th annual Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational at UCLA, the group performed at Tengu, a Japanese restaurant in Westwood Village.

As you can see, this performance was unique, due in part because Kyodo performed on the side-walk in front of the restaurant, facing the street. The guests had to come out of the restaurant and watch from the sides. This just goes to show that no matter what, the show must go on. It was definately a unique experience.

Here, David Okikawa, Kene Kubo and Andrew Chen play "Tatsu," one of our performance pieces.

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Kyodo Taiko - Tengu Performance

In May, shortly before Kyodo co-hosted the 13th annual Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational at UCLA, the group performed at Tengu, a Japanese restaurant in Westwood Village.

As you can see, this performance was unique, due in part because Kyodo performed on the side-walk in front of the restaurant, facing the street. The guests had to come out of the restaurant and watch from the sides. This just goes to show that no matter what, the show must go on. It was definately a unique experience.

Here, David Okikawa, Kene Kubo and Andrew Chen play "Tatsu," one of our performance pieces.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

"newbies" (Kyodo Taiko - "newbies")

Kyodo Taiko is like family. One particular class really took this phrase to heart. This group, no matter how old or how many other names it takes on, will always be known as "the newbies." They are Allan, Emily, Kevin, Liz, Mickie, and Nate. They are family, no matter what.

awww... cute.

This picture was taken after the 2006 Kyodo Taiko spring concert, their last concert as official newbies. It represents their spirit, their bond, their heart, their Kyodo love.

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Kyodo Taiko - "newbies"

Kyodo Taiko is like family. One particular class really took this phrase to heart. This group, no matter how old or how many other names it takes on, will always be known as "the newbies." They are Allan, Emily, Kevin, Liz, Mickie, and Nate. They are family, no matter what.

awww... cute.

This picture was taken after the 2006 Kyodo Taiko spring concert, their last concert as official newbies. It represents their spirit, their bond, their heart, their Kyodo love.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Lucious Ladies (Kyodo Taiko - Luscious Ladies)

The 2006 Kyodo Taiko spring concert featured "Genki," one of our many concert pieces. Down in front, two of our most recent alumni, Megumi Tomatsu and Christine Kimura, work together to play "Genki." This piece requires strength and power, as well as coordination with your partner.

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Kyodo Taiko - Luscious Ladies

The 2006 Kyodo Taiko spring concert featured "Genki," one of our many concert pieces. This piece involves three different types of drums, the odiko, the chu daiko and the shime.
Down in front, two of our most recent alumni, Megumi Tomatsu and Christine Kimura, work together to play "Genki," one of Kyodo's concert pieces. This piece requires strength and power, as well as coordination with your partner.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Manzanar Pilgrimage I (Kyodo Taiko - Manzanar Pilgrimage Performance)

Each year, the Nikkei Student Union at UCLA participates in the Manzanar Pilgrimage. This year, Kyodo Taiko was asked to perform the opening number of the program.

Here, we stand in front of the bed of the truck, which acted as a stage, where the program took place.

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Kyodo Taiko - Manzanar Pilgrimage Performance

Each year, the Nikkei Student Union at UCLA participates in the Manzanar Pilgrimage. This year, Kyodo Taiko was asked to perform the opening number of the program.

Here, we stand in front of the bed of the truck, which acted as a stage, where the program took place.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Manzanar Pilgrimage II (Kyodo Taiko - Manzanar Pilgrimage II)

Vanessa Yee and Andrew Chen, both 2006-2007 Kyodo newbies, play along to the music as people obon dance around them at the 2007 Manzanar Pilgrimage. The snow-capped mountains in the background provide a beautiful yet painful view.
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Kyodo Taiko - Manzanar Pilgrimage II

Vanessa Yee and Andrew Chen, both 2006-2007 Kyodo newbies, play along to the music as people obon dance around them at the 2007 Manzanar Pilgrimage. The snow-capped mountains in the background provide a beautiful yet somber view.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Human Pyramid (Kyodo Taiko - Human Pyramid)

Kyodo Taiko - Human Pyramid

This is the human pyramid in its greatest form. Kyodo has mastered the art. Here, you see Kyodo Taiko members of the 2005-2006 school year at the 12th annual Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational, hosted by UC Riverside. What you cannot see is UCI's Jodaiko, quickly trying to surpass the Kyodo pyramid. I'm really not even sure who won that year, but it's all in good fun!

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Drum Making (Kyodo Taiko - Drum Making)

Kyodo Taiko - Drum Making

Because it is darn expensive to purchase a taiko, Kyodo Taiko members construct their own drums. (note: most North-American taiko groups do this as well)

Starting with a wine barrel, members sand it down so that it is smooth. They then apply primer and paint, until they achieve the desired color and tone. The skins are made of stretched cow hides. Look ahead for pictures of the stretching process!

Making our own drums really makes us appreciate the instrument that much more. We take great care to ensure that we get the most out of our drums. Each one of us puts our sweat, and sometimes blood (eiww.), into these drums, and we love them dearly.

In this picture, Kyodo members are applying the primer and paint at our first summer retreat of the 2006-2007 school year, at Hitomi's Roland Heights residnece.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Kyodo Taiko Bonfire, 2006

Although predominantly a performance group, Kyodo members enjoy social activities as well. One such bonding activity was the Kyodo Taiko bonfire, held at Dockweiler Beach in Southern California.

Members of Kyodo have a very old traditional practice, the art of the human pyramid. Creating the human pyramid takes trust, teamwork, common sense and creativity. The annual pyramid competition takes place between the members of Kyodo Taiko and UCI's Jodaiko every year at the Intercollegiate Taiko Invitational.

In this picture, Kyodo practices for this much anticipated competition.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

UCLA Bruins Basketball Half-Time Performance (Kyodo Taiko - UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance)

Kyodo Taiko - UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance

Kyodo Taiko has performed at the half-time show of a UCLA basketball game for two years in a row, and hopes to continue doing so in the future. These performances are looked forward to by the team, especially since they have the chance of being seen on television!
One member last year reported that his mother had seen Kyodo behind the half-time announcers on TV! How exciting :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

Air Bachi (Kyodo Taiko - Air Bachi)

Kyodo Taiko - Air Bachi

In learning, or sometimes practicing, a piece, Kyodo Taiko members practice "air bachi." To air bachi, one must imagine that there is a drum in front of them, and play on that drum. This practice helps with one's form and technique. Often times, air bachi-ing is accompanied by a practice known as "kuchi shooga." Each type of drum hit is assigned a certain sound that can be made using the mouth, or "kuchi." Because the players hit air during "air bachi-ing," they add "kuchi shooga" to imitate the sound that their imaginary drum would make.

Here, players are practicing in the lounge area of the John Wooden Center at UCLA while waiting for the Dynasty Room to become available. Once free, they will be able to retreive the drums from the storage room and go to their performance.

This is a common Kyodo past time :)

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]

NSU 25th Anniversary Performance (Kyodo Taiko - UCLA NSU 25th Anniversary Performance)

This is one of the best pictures I've seen of Kyodo. It really shows our spirit. I smile every time I see it, and I'm proud to call these people teammates. They are part of a long line of loud children.

Kyodo was asked to perform as part of the UCLA's Nikkei Student Union's 25th Anniversary banquet. We had a blast, as you can tell. This loud moment was part of Kyodo's piece, "Yonsei," composed by recent Kyodo alumn, Jason Osajima.
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Kyodo Taiko - UCLA NSU 25th Anniversary Performance

This is one of the best pictures I've seen of Kyodo Taiko. It really shows our spirit. I smile every time I see it, and I'm proud to call these people teammates. They are part of a long line of loud children.

Kyodo was asked to perform as part of the UCLA Nikkei Student Union (NSU) 25th Anniversary Banquet. We had a blast, as you can tell. This loud moment was part of Kyodo's piece, "Yonsei," composed by recent Kyodo alumn, Jason Osajima.

[Kyodo Taiko at UCLA was the first collegiate taiko group to form in North America, founded under UCLA's Nikkei Student Union. Striving to live up to the group’s name, Kyodo Taiko functions as a family, sharing the joy and spirit of taiko with more and more of the surrounding community each year.]