Kyodo Taiko at UCLA
|
||
| Licensing | ||
Kyodo Taiko is my family, my home away from home.
Kyodo was the first collegiate taiko group in the United States, and was started in 1990 by Mark Honda. "Kyodo" has two meanings, "family" and "loud children." The members definitely carry out these meanings, as is evident in this album.
I have included for your enjoyment pictures, video footage and interviews, explaining the importance and significance of Kyodo Taiko’s history and purpose. With this, I provide you with a glimpse into the life of a Kyodo Taiko member, a glimpse into my life.
Explore, Experience, Enjoy.
Slides in this album |
|
|
Kyodo Taiko 2006-2007This team picture was taken at the New Otani Japanese Garden before a performance in Little Tokyo.
Kyodo Taiko 2006-2007 |
eishida
|
Drum MakingBecause 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) 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - Drum Making |
|
Sanding the DrumApproximately 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 - Sanding the Drums |
|
Mickie in a BarrelTo 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 - Mickie in a Barrel |
|
Air BachiIn learning, or sometimes practicing, a piece, Kyodo 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - Air Bachi |
|
RaiKyodo performed at the UCLA NSU Culture Night in 2006. One of the four pieces played was "Rai," an intense piece surrounding thunder, rain, storms, and finally, calm.
Kyodo Taiko - "Rai" |
|
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 - Hey! |
|
Culture Night 2006Here, 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - Culture night 2006 |
|
UCLA Bruins Basketball Half-Time PerformanceKyodo 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!
Kyodo Taiko - UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance |
|
UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance IIThis picture goes along with the picture titled, "UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance."
Kyodo Taiko - UCLA Bruins Basketball Game Half-Time Performance II |
|
Kyodo Taiko Bonfire, 2006Although 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, …
Kyodo Taiko Bonfire, 2006 |
|
Human PyramidThis 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. …
Kyodo Taiko - Human Pyramid |
|
"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. …
Kyodo Taiko - "newbies" |
|
Lucious LadiesThe 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.
Kyodo Taiko - Luscious Ladies |
|
Manzanar Pilgrimage IEach 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 - Manzanar Pilgrimage Performance |
|
Manzanar Pilgrimage IIVanessa 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.
Kyodo Taiko - Manzanar Pilgrimage II |
|
Tengu PerformanceIn 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - Tengu Performance |
|
NSU 25th Anniversary PerformanceThis 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - UCLA NSU 25th Anniversary Performance |
|
Children's Day PerformanceEach 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - Children's Day Performance |
|
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.
Kyodo Taiko - Jason Osajima - On "Yonsei" |
|
|
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!
Kyodo Taiko - "Yonsei" |
|
PracticeHere, Kyodo members practiced their Culture Night performances in front of an audience.
Kyodo Taiko - Practice |
|
"Matsuri" at Zenshuji ObonKyodo 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, …
Kyodo Taiko - "Matsuri" at Zenshuji Soto Mission Obon |
|
The CheerKyodo = 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 - The Cheer |
|
Hikari NishidaHikari 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!)
Kyodo Taiko - Hikari Nishida |
|
Jon ShintakuJon 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 - Jon Shintaku |
|
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 - Class of 2003! |
|
Megumi TomatsuMegumi Tomatsu was a five-year Kyodo member, the best kind! We love her!
Kyodo Taiko - Megumi Tomatsu |
|
Kene KuboKene 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 - Kene Kubo |
|
Minoru NishidaMinoru 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 - Minoru Nishida |
|
Craig IshiiCraig 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 - Craig Ishii |
|
Christine KimuraChristine 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 - Christine Kimura |
|
Jason OsajimaJason 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 - Jason Osajima |
|
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 - Class of 2004! |
|
Randy MaekawaRandy Maekawa graduated after my first year playing with Kyodo. He was "the cool guy." He's now in Japan. We love Randy!
Kyodo Taiko - Randy Maekawa |
|
Jessica WongJess was Kyodo External Director in 2006-2007, along with Janelle Lin. It was the year of re-invention, and re-invent we did.
Kyodo Taiko - Jessica Wong |
|
Janelle LinJanelle Lin was a Kyodo director with Jessica Wong during the 2006-2007 school year. Her intensity and strength really make her unique.
Kyodo Taiko - Janelle Lin |
|
Candice ShikaiCandice 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 - Candice Shikai |
|
Aya InoAya 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 - Aya Ino |
|
Erin CavenaughErin 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 - Erin Cavenaugh |
|
Hitomi KuboHere, Hitomi is playing at the NSU Fall Fest at UCLA. She was a three-year Kyodo member, and a sweetie.
Kyodo Taiko - Hitomi Kubo |
|
Street Fighter - Victory PoseBeginning 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 …
Kyodo Taiko - Street Fighter, Victory Pose |
|
Kevin SudaKevin 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.
Kyodo Taiko - Kevin Suda |
|
|
Kevin Suda's Most Memorable MomentKevin Suda, current Kyodo co-director, explains his most memorable moment for us, with a huge smile on his face. He recalls a certain performance where everybody suddenly broke out in dance, to the sounds of Michelle Branch. :)
Kyodo Taiko - Kevin Suda's Most Memorable Moment |
|
Mickie OkamotoMickie 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 - Mickie Okamoto |
|
Emily MukaiEmily 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 - Emily Mukai |
|
Allan KakuKnown for his extra loud ki-ai! Allan Kaku is a fellow Kyodo class member, an academic classmate, and a good friend. Rock on!
Kyodo Taiko - Allan Kaku |
|
Nate ImaiNate 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 - Nate Imai |
|
Elizabeth IshidaThis is me, at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon, 2007.
Kyodo Taiko - Liz Ishida |
|
Stacy YoungStacy 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 - Stacy Young |
|
|
Andrew Lin - A Newbie PerspectiveAndrew 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 - Andrew Lin's Newbie Perspective |
|
Kyodo Newbies 2006-2007This 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 - Newbies 2006-2007 |
|
|
TaizaThe 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 - Taiza |
|
Dan KaoDan 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.
Kyodo Taiko - Dan Kao |
|
Vanessa YeeVanessa is one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies. She has immense, and distinct, spirit. :)
Kyodo Taiko - Vanessa Yee |
|
Andrew ChenChen, a recent Kyodo newbie, is a quick learner and a talented player. He is seen here playing at the 2007 Manzanar Pilgrimmage.
Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Chen |
|
Keiko HaradaKeiko Harada is a recent Kyodo newbie, and a quick learner. Here, she plays "Swing" at the Zenshuji Soto Mission obon in Little Tokyo.
Kyodo Taiko - Keiko Harada |
|
Andrew LinAndrew 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.
Kyodo Taiko - Andrew Lin |
|
Karen NakasatoKaren is one of the 10 recent Kyodo newbies, and holds the "shortest member" record. :) She is a cutie.
Kyodo Taiko - Karen Nakasato |
|
Zachary ScottZach 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 - Zachary Scott |
|
Mimi YangMimi 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 - Mimi Yang |
|
Edward KobayashiEdward 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.
Kyodo Taiko - Edward Kobayashi |
|
|
Kyodo - "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 …
Kyodo Taiko- "Encore Remix" |
|
The Real KyodoAhhh, alas, our true colors shine through. Ladies and gentlemen, I present... Kyodo Taiko!!!
Kyodo Taiko - The Real Kyodo |
UCLA Nikkei Student Union Culture Night 2008
The Sculpture of Ruth Asawa: Contours in the Air - Audio Tour
Wakatay Restaurant-Peruvian Nikkei Cuisine
2007 Gardena Buddhist Church Obon
Frank Kikuchi
Hisako Hibi
San Jose Taiko and CAVA - 1st and Central Summer Concerts 2007
2007 Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple Obon
Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden - Timeline
Jack Iwata Collection
Journal feed
