Basic Information

Organizational Affiliation		buddhist
Name of Affiliated Organization		N. C. Koyasan Temple
Leadership Structure		sensei
Primary Purpose of Group		social

Background Information

Group's Mission and Motivation

To teach members how to play the Taiko, to teach families how to build the Taiko and to perform Taiko music for the community.

Structure and Philosophy
Describe the ensemble's organizational structure and philosophy, including leadership structure, membership policy, and instructional process.

The philosophy of the group is one of self awareness through effort and perseverance. Emphasis is placed on discipline, focus, individual growth and working with and showing compassion for others.

Group History
Describe how, where, and why the ensemble was founded. What was its inspiration?

It started as an extension cultural program for children with no Taikos in 1993. Children have practiced on used tires for several months and parents started to build Taiko drums by using old wine barrels. The group has made over 50 different Taiko drums sizes from 10 to 36 inch in diameter. The group gets instructional support from Sacramento Taiko Dan since 1997.

List of Founding Members

Rev. Seicho Asahi and cabinet members of the Northern California Koyasan Temple.

List of Current Members

15 youth and 25 adult members.

Membership Composition
(i.e. ethnicity, generation, average years of experience, musical backgrounds, and motivation for playing)

The group has many variety of people from age 10 to 60's. Most experienced member has been practicing for last 12 years.

Community
Description of the group's community - regional, ethnic, social, etc.

Diversed community in Sacramento, California

Biggest Changes
Describe two of the biggest changes that have characterized the group's development since its founding

The group has been receiving instructional support from Sacramento Taiko Dan since 1997.

Performances, Recordings, Publications

Performances
List a selection of your regular performance venues (for example, Denver Sakura Matsuri, Seabrook obon, business conventions, Manzanar Pilgrimage, Maui Marathon, etc.)

Pacific Rim Festival, California State Fair, Olympic Torch Welcome Ceremony, Children's Festival held in Sacramento, California

Instructors, Teachers & Mentors
List the instructors, teachers and mentors who have worked with the ensemble.

Instructor: Kaori K. Sakauye
Advisor: Tiffamy Tamaribuchi
Director: Seicho Asahi
Assistant instructors: David Sakauye & Gary Shimizu

Audio & Video Recordings
List a selection of publicly accessible audio and/or video recordings featuring the ensemble.

Video: Get Into the beat (1995)

Publications
List a selection of articles, master's theses, dissertations, or other publications written about the ensemble.

Brochure: Taiko "Get into the Beat" (1995)
Brochure: How to make a Taiko Drum (1996)