Interviews
Happi coats in taiko
People call the happi coat, happi. That’s was the most tradition. That’s all I know [at] that time. Happi and the short pants like a Japan style. That was very traditional. Now, taiko group, all the other taiko group is very fashionable, very fashionable, you know. This is very interesting. You know, Johnny Mori—again Johnny Mori always come, you know, he said, “We are American taiko.” Right. Different from my style. But he played very traditional when he wear those group happi coat. Very traditional and very interesting. I’m more Americanized than that (laugh). Those guys said, “I wear original American.” But, through his experience and he studied many, many things. So he also more understanding [in] many, many things. They wear very traditional way they play.
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.