Kaminari Taiko Press Kit - Frequently Asked Questions
What is taiko?
"Taiko" is a Japanese word that means "great drum" or "wide drum." It can also refer to the modern style of kumi-daiko, in which multiple performers play different types of drums in an ensemble.
Where did taiko originate?
The art of taiko carries deep significance in Japanese culture. Japanese mythology begins with the legend of Amaterasu Omikami, a Sun Goddess who, overwhelmed by her curiosity about an unusual dance to the beat of taiko, emerged form a cave to illuminate the world. Samurai warriors also used taiko on the battlefield to signal commands and frighten their enemies. Townspeople warned of danger by beating on taiko, and priests used taiko at religious ceremonies to communicate with the gods. Temples and shrines throughout Japan display taiko as a symbol of purification and to dispel evil spirits. Until recently, only priests and males of high stature were allowed to strike the sacred taiko.
Around 1950, Daihachi Oguchi, drawing on his background as a jazz musician, put together the first ensemble of taiko of different shapes and sizes to be played by a group of drummers. People loved the high-energy performances, and the style spread. Today there are hundreds of taiko groups around the world.
Around 1950, Daihachi Oguchi, drawing on his background as a jazz musician, put together the first ensemble of taiko of different shapes and sizes to be played by a group of drummers. People loved the high-energy performances, and the style spread. Today there are hundreds of taiko groups around the world.
How did Kaminari Taiko get its start?
Kaminari Taiko was founded in 1996, when Jay Mochizuki brought together a diverse group of artists to create a group dedicated to celebrating Japanese culture through musical performance. We are grateful to have received guidance in our early years from such world-acclaimed taiko masters as Daihachi Oguchi, Seiichi Tanaka (founder of San Francisco Taiko Dojo), Kenny Endo, and Takemasa Ishikura in learning the fundamental skills, philosophy and spirit of taiko.
How often do you perform?
Kaminari Taiko usually puts on between 15 and 20 performances each year, both public and private. Approximately two-thirds of our shows are in the Houston area.
Kaminari Taiko makes regular appearances at festivals across the Gulf South. In addition to our role headlining the Houston Japan Fest, we travel every year to the New Orleans JapanFest, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, the Brazos Valley Worldfest, and Borderfest.
Kaminari Taiko makes regular appearances at festivals across the Gulf South. In addition to our role headlining the Houston Japan Fest, we travel every year to the New Orleans JapanFest, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, the Brazos Valley Worldfest, and Borderfest.
How much time do you spend practicing?
Performing members practice between six and ten hours a week, depending on the season. Kaminari Taiko is not a professional group (yet), so we all have day jobs, but we're pretty serious about our "hobby."
Do you write your own songs?
For the most part, yes. We perform a few "covers": Hiryu Sandangaeshi, for example, was written by Daihachi Oguchi, the founder of modern taiko.
Some of our other songs are based on existing compositions, but with a Kaminari twist. To create Miyake, we started with a playing style and a basic rhythm used by taiko groups around the world, then added our own segments to build a complete song.
What we enjoy most, though, is writing and performing our own songs. The following songs in our current repertoire were written entirely by Kaminari Taiko members: Full Throttle, Kurui Daiko, Yoshin, Raijin, Hanadokei, Shime Trio, and Shinkansen.
Some of our other songs are based on existing compositions, but with a Kaminari twist. To create Miyake, we started with a playing style and a basic rhythm used by taiko groups around the world, then added our own segments to build a complete song.
What we enjoy most, though, is writing and performing our own songs. The following songs in our current repertoire were written entirely by Kaminari Taiko members: Full Throttle, Kurui Daiko, Yoshin, Raijin, Hanadokei, Shime Trio, and Shinkansen.
Who are the members of Kaminari Taiko?
The current roster of performing members is Kay Roberts, Doug Matheson, Nick Hill, Carmen Alvarez, Akiko Hagio, Khechar Boorla, Natalie Saathoff, Michael Wells, Tomoe VonGruenigen, Don VonGruenigen, Ayako Daniel, Frances Trahan, Rie Norman, and Cole Sanford.
For a list of the performers at a particular show, contact Kay Roberts.
For a list of the performers at a particular show, contact Kay Roberts.
Do you ever have trouble finding clothes that fit over your enormous muscles?
Yes. But we soldier on.
Is taiko difficult to learn?
Not really, but it does take time and dedication. Kaminari Taiko teaches classes at our dojo in Northwest Houston for adults at all levels of taiko mastery, from absolute beginners to performing members. Having previous musical experience helps, but it's not necessary. We find that a student's passion for taiko is generally the best predictor of his or her success.
Where will Kaminari Taiko be performing next?
Check the Schedule page for a list of our upcoming performances.
How can I book Kaminari Taiko for my next event?
Contact Kay Roberts for information on booking Kaminari Taiko.
