Basic Information

Organizational Affiliation		buddhist
Name of Affiliated Organization		Twin Cities Buddhist Association Sangha
Leadership Structure		consensus
Primary Purpose of Group		social

Background Information

Group's Mission and Motivation

Kogen Taiko, Minnesota's longest standing taiko group, was formed in 1985 by members of the Twin Cities Buddhist Association with the guidance of Reverend Ron Miyamura and the Midwest Buddhist Temple Taiko Group.

Kogen Taiko nurtures a philosophy of openness, sharing and participation in all aspects of the group. This philosophy reflects Jodo Shinshu Buddhism's emphasis on living life deeply rather than striving for perfection and remains as the cornerstone of the group's practice and performance. By sharing the spirit and energy of taiko with others, Kogen is able to express the harmony of the players, the taiko and the listener. Kogen maintains a link to taiko's origin as a Buddhist musical accompaniment, blending traditional Japanese drumming with American multi-ethnic rhythms into music that is truly Japanese American.

"Kogen" comes from Buddhist writings (Sutras) and means the shining light from the face of the Buddha. It is a reminder of the wisdom and compassion of all Buddhas.

List of Founding Members

Phyllis Kimitch, Mike Kimitch, Lynn Oyanagi, Todd Tsuchiya, Ben Wong, Dean Yanari

List of Current Members

Currently, Kogen Taiko is: Kimi Aisawa-Romportl, Pam Dagoberg, Tim Dagoberg, Brian Tsuchiya, Cheral Tsuchiya, Connie Tsuchiya, Todd Tsuchiya, Charissa Uemura, Jason Yamamoto and Joyce Yamamoto.