Kaminari Taiko Online Press Kit - Biographies
Taiko looks like fun (and it is!), but it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make our shows run smoothly. Meet some of the people whose work is instrumental to making Kaminari Taiko a successful organization.
It was Jay Mochizuki's vision of a world-class taiko group in Texas that brought Kaminari Taiko into existence in 1996. Over the last fourteen years he has developed Kaminari Taiko into the premier taiko group in the Gulf South, showcasing Japanese culture to thousands of fans each year.
Jay first struck a taiko at the age of five in his hometown of Tokyo. He has studied under world-renowned taiko masters Seiichi Tanaka, Tanamasa Ishikura, Kenny Endo, and Daihachi Oguchi. Through his guidance and leadership, Jay pushes Kaminari Taiko to raise the level of its performances year after year.
Kay first saw a taiko performance in 1971 and knew she would someday play taiko, but it wasn't until 30 years later, in 2000, that she found Kaminari Taiko and fulfilled that dream. Her musical background includes ensemble chorus, drill team, mounted drill team, glockenspiel, flute, fife, marching snare, and drum major. Kay's skill and experience make her a vital member of the performing group.
As President, Kay works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure Kaminari Taiko runs smoothly. She books performances, schedules practices and events, communicates with performance venues and cultural organizations, and generally keeps everybody else on track. Kay's hard work ensures that Kaminari Taiko moves steadily toward its goals.
Akihiro (Jay) Mochizuki
Founder, Producer, Chairman of the Board
It was Jay Mochizuki's vision of a world-class taiko group in Texas that brought Kaminari Taiko into existence in 1996. Over the last fourteen years he has developed Kaminari Taiko into the premier taiko group in the Gulf South, showcasing Japanese culture to thousands of fans each year.
Jay first struck a taiko at the age of five in his hometown of Tokyo. He has studied under world-renowned taiko masters Seiichi Tanaka, Tanamasa Ishikura, Kenny Endo, and Daihachi Oguchi. Through his guidance and leadership, Jay pushes Kaminari Taiko to raise the level of its performances year after year.
Kay Roberts
President, Artistic Director
Kay first saw a taiko performance in 1971 and knew she would someday play taiko, but it wasn't until 30 years later, in 2000, that she found Kaminari Taiko and fulfilled that dream. Her musical background includes ensemble chorus, drill team, mounted drill team, glockenspiel, flute, fife, marching snare, and drum major. Kay's skill and experience make her a vital member of the performing group.
As President, Kay works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure Kaminari Taiko runs smoothly. She books performances, schedules practices and events, communicates with performance venues and cultural organizations, and generally keeps everybody else on track. Kay's hard work ensures that Kaminari Taiko moves steadily toward its goals.
