Seattle Kokon Taiko . "Through taiko, we hope to contribute to the development of a uniquely Japanese American art form --Japanese in origin, American in expression-- that weaves threads of continuity between generations and builds bridges of understanding among people of all nationalities and walks of life."[1]. To strengthen our community and our nation, we can promote pride, awareness and appreciation of Japanese American art and culture and also act as cultural liaisons between communities. Seattle Kokon Taiko has maintained relationships especially with Uzume Taiko because of their geographical proximity. As Seattle's original performing taiko group, it is incumbent on us to prepare for the continuation of this tradition. Highlights include performances from the acclaimed Seattle taiko drum group Kokon Taiko, a mochi making presentation, and a pictoral history of the award-winning exhibit “Kodomo No Tameni – For the sake of the children.” Increasing the Visibility of Women in the Art Form . Educate the public on the history and practice of taiko in America. Produced by Les Fitzpatrick of Rocket Pictures, Seattle. The group also began ongoing collaborations with choreographer A.C. Peterson ("Ozkei") and butoh dancer Joan Laage ("The Bride's Tales") appearing at On the Board's Northwest New Works Festival and the Seattle Fringe Festival respectively. 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HigaKTE (1987): William Satake Blauvelt, Stan Shikuma, Michio TeshimaSKT (1992): William Satake Blauvelt, Stan Shikuma, Joyce Nakamura, Martin Louie, Harriet Kashiwada, Sheri Nakashima, Meiko Blosser, Aiko Suganuma, Carrie Carter, Marinda Chen, Debbie Day, Kosta Kyriacopoulos, Charlene Lee, Gretchen Ludwig, Joyce Nakamura, Jina Oshiro, Lika Roberts, Stan Shikuma, Coll Thrush, Mimi Wong, Ethnic backgrounds: Japanese, Chinese , Caucasian, African American, Korean, Native AmericanTaiko Experience: 1-24 years; avg around 6 yearsMusical Backgounds: piano, flute, trumpet, violaOther backgrounds: tap dance, martial arts, running, photography, video production, gymnastics, iaido, yogaMotivations: performance, serve JA community, political statement through art, artistic expression, recreation and fun, cultural heritage. Posted in Day of Remembrance, Japanese American Incarceration, Taiko Festival Pictures tagged Day of Remembrance, Executive Order 9066, Inochi Taiko, Japanese American Incarceration, Kaze Daiko, Minidoka, Minidoka Pilgrimage, One World Taiko, Ringtaro and Asako … Develop taiko as an ancient and modern performing art. In 1992, these two groups merged to form Seattle Kokon Taiko. We have since added Idaho. A crowd gathers to watch the performance of the Seattle Kokon Taiko drum group during the official opening ceremony for the Seattle Japanese Garden at the Arboretum in Seattle. Event … Certain members volunteer or are appointed to take on specific responsibilities, e.g. KOTOBUKI JISHI--TRADITIONAL JAPANESE LION DANCEThe talented members of Seattle Kokon Taiko bring us the finale, the traditional Lion Dance--Virtual Mochi Tsuki Style! Using the Japanese word "kokon" which refers to something that is both ancient and modern at the same time and the desire to be a smaller, more adventurous musical group they called themselves Kokon Taiko Ensemble. Seattle Kokon Taiko also produced "New Songs for Ancient Voices" the first evening length concert by a local taiko group presented as part of new music organization Marzena's spring festival in honor of Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu. Their later influences include Uzume Taiko, Kenny Endo, and Kodo.[3]. "Taiko Discography." About TCA. Membership is by invitation following an audition process and apprecticeship of 6 months. After performing together at Teshima's memorial service the two groups began rehearsing and agreed on a joint performance season billing themselves as Seattle and Kokon Taiko. ), but now most of the roles are shared by group members, with the exception of Treasurer and Booking Coordinator.[2]. After the season a professional mediator was brought in to formally work out the terms of the merger and the combined group officially became Seattle Kokon Taiko. World's third or fourth largest country by total area and is slightly smaller than the entire continent of Europe. Base ourselves in the Japanese American community. We are part of a larger taiko movement which in turn is part of the national Asian American art and culture movement. We seek to contribute to the development of a uniquely Japanese American art form. Seattle Kokon Taiko has evolved into a massively important part of the Seattle community. The group also expanded its musical horizons by incorporating improvisational soloing with jazz saxophonist Steve Yamasaki and Native American and Japanese folk singing with vocalist Takuya Funaki. Participating taiko groups include: Seattle Kokon, Northwest Taiko, Seattle Matsuri, Kaze Daiko, and Inochi. Previously, there were distinct roles filled by the members (Artistic Director, Performance Director, etc. Experience a performance by Seattle Kokon Taiko Drumming Try your hand at costuming an opera character Laugh out loud as Jet City Improv acts out all five 2017/18 operas in just a few minutes And more! For over a millennium, making and eating the sweet rice treat mochi has been a celebrated New Year’s tradition in Japan, with generations of families and communities coming together to wish good health and prosperity for the new year. Taiko is rooted in the art, culture and religions of Japan and was brought to North America by Japanese immigrants. Seattle, WA . Early training and inspiration for the group came from San Francisco Taiko Dojo and Tanaka-sensei, Kinnara Taiko, San Jose Taiko and Katari Taiko. Seattle Kokon Taiko Seattle Kokon Taiko is a North American taiko ensemble based out of the International District in Seattle, Washington. Events feed 2. The high turnover rate was due in part to the physical demands and time commitment required (Taoka was a strict teacher who emphasized fundamentals and encouraged at-home drilling). The group drilled in a rat-infested, empty storefront in Seattle's Chinatown on used car tires, and later, one broken Chinese Lion Dance drum salvaged from the trash. Total Time 53:40. Taiko Community Alliance P.O. Though our community has faced overt discrimination and cultural repression in the past, we promote a positive example of Japanese American resistance, perseverance and success in the face of hardships. In 1987, three STG members left to form Kokon Taiko Ensemble, and in 1992 these two groups reunited to form Seattle Kokon Taiko. Mike Lowry. In lieu of our in-person lantern floating event, we present our film "75 Years & Counting: From Hiroshima to Hope." They also later appeared onstage at that festival's "Bumberdrum!" Seattle Kokon Taiko: Taiko Performance. In 1990 the two groups reconciled. The greatest treasure is the one most widely shared, and we share our knowledge through workshops, classes and lecture-demonstrations. Ominous pop rockers Ravenna Woods are teaming up with Seattle Kokon Taiko for a special show this Friday (January 13, 2017) that’s definitely not to be missed. He performs with Seattle Kokon Taiko and directs Kaze Daiko (a taiko youth group), and has also been a performer, composer, and percussionist on new opera, silent … Seattle Kokon Taiko strives to maintain and develop a Japanese American folk art based around the performance, promotion and study of taiko (Japanese drumming). Rolling Thunder: Your Total Taiko Resource. Produced by Les Fitzpatrick of Rocket Pictures, Seattle. Members of the local Japanese-American community were impressed and inspired to take up the art form themselves. T he culture of taiko in Japan has been developed into pretty mature period now. This led to a continuing collaboration between groups and the formation of Regtional Taiko Groups of Seattle (RTG-Seattle), an umbrellas organization that helps sponsor conferences, workshops and joint performances. Not gonna screw it up this time because it sounds like it was amazing! The United States is a multi-cultural, multi-national country with a long history of democracy and freedom, but also of racism and oppression. The life of an artist is a constant struggle. The original line-up featured Harriet Kashiwada, Sheri Nakashima, Meiko Blosser, Aiko Suganuma, Joyce Nakamura, Martin Louie, William Satake Blauvelt and Stan Shikuma. One World Taiko and friends perform in a Discovery Channel commercial "The World is Just Awesome - Boom De Yada" Performance on the Art Zone on the Seattle Channel - Cable TV Channel 21 Seattle, WA . TAIKO! Mochi Tsuki attendees celebrate with Seattle Kokon Taiko. 1. The taiko path has given us a most wonderful life though never financially lucrative. They are directed by a five-member board of directors, with about nine more performing members. Website, Journal feed Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural FestivalChinatown/International District Summer FestivalAki MatsuriHiroshima to HopeNorthwest Folklife Festival, Seiichi TanakaKatari TaikoJohn Endo GreenawaySan Jose TaikoOndekozaKenny EndoUzume TaikoKODOHanayuiShohei Kikuchi, Joan Laaage and Dappin' ButohMatt MessinaAC PetersonKobayashi, Murao & Takemori, Quiet No More!, Seattle Kokon Taiko CD, 1997, YAKUDO, William Satake Blauvelt & Stan Shikuma, 1988 -- "joyous movement" captures the essence of playing taikoTRINITY-8689, Stan Shikuma, 1997 -- a contemplation on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in three movements (Alamogordo, Ground Zero, Hibakusha); for taiko, fue and dance, Stan Shikuma Taiko is a synthesis of rhythm, movement and spirit. February 1, 2012 2012 Day of Remembrance Taiko Festival. Their early influences include Seiichi Tanaka and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, San Jose Taiko, Kinnara Taiko, and Katari Taiko. Copyright © 2005-2021 Japanese American National Museum. Local Taiko group, Seattle Kokon Taiko performed at Shorewood Performing Arts Center in Shoreline for its 35th anniversary concert “Rhythm, Movement & Spirit.” The memorial concert featured the group’s diverse repertoire and was joined by Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe of Unit Souzou, singer-songwriter Aura Ruddell and local indie art rock band Ravenna Woods. Part 1 of 2. Seattle Kokon Taiko. We have also developed something of our own group philosophy and practice which needs to be handed on to others. sktaiko1@mac.com We seek to contribute to the development of a uniquely Japanese American art form. 4. Kabuki theater and Japanese folk music and dance were also influences, he adds. The group also participated in and performed at one of the first pilgrimages to Tule Lake, California - the site of one of 10 former concentration camps that held Japanese Americans during World War II. RTG conferences, hosting workshops by Hanayui or TakoProject, joint performances, etc. Over the next several years the group's line-up changed with only Blauvelt, Hanada and Okano (Nakagawa) remaining from the original group. Seattle Kokon Taiko (SKT) was founded from two separate taiko groups, Seattle Taiko Group and Kokon Taiko Ensemble in 1990 and continues to perform as an active member of the Seattle taiko and arts scene. (All week) FILM Today, Seattle Kokon Taiko remains one group that practices regularly to perform for the Seattle community and beyond. I missed it once already, when the taiko drummers joined the band at Timber! Guitar-heavy folk-rockers Ravenna Woods bring their dark and eerie Northwest sound to the Croc with Seattle Kokon Taiko and Smokey Brights. Last Sunday, Sept. 5, the Seattle NVC held a ceremony dedicating the memorial wall to Japanese Americans. Seattle Kokon Taiko . Info Credit. Part 2 of 2. Country comprising 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions. Seattle Kokon Taiko list many different taiko artists and groups as early and later influences. 3214 - 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 Like San Jose Taiko, it is a community-based group without a sensei. It also included a poetry reading by Larry Matsuda. In addition to performing each member took up various responsibilities running the group with Kashiwada heading the steering committee and Blauvelt and Shikuma co-artistic directing. 3. Our repertoire includes pieces from Japan based on various regional styles and genres as well as contemporary pieces of our own composition or arising from collaborations with other artists. The culture of taiko in Japan has been developed into pretty mature period now. Major decisions are put to a vote. In 1986, Stan Shikuma and Michio Teshima left the group to form a new group with William Satake Blauvelt (who had left in 1985 over artistic differences). SKT traces its start to Seattle Taiko Group, the first group to form in Washington state in 1980 following a performance by Ondeko-za at the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. Stan Shikuma describes the group's kata as a stylistic variation of the kata taught by Seiichi Tanaka at San Francisco Taiko Dojo. Base ourselves in the Japanese American community. Outdoor Music Festival last Summer. In the first eight months of their existence, over 50 different people took part in the several times a week group practices with many leaving after various periods of participation. Kenny Endo's first rule of taiko is to give the drum all your energy. Judo demonstration by Seattle Dojo. Stan Shikuma, Seattle Kokon Taiko, Kaze Daiko Iris Shiraishi, ensemble-MA Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Sacramento Taiko Dan, JO Daiko, Tozai Wadaiko Karen Young, The Genki Spark. To continue to sustain and grow this project, we need your help! School of Taiko: Taiko Performance. Teshima, a respected community activist, was a bridge in bringing the two group's together as he had been a part of both. Seattle, WA, US Seattle's Kokon Taiko presents, Rites of Thundering. This year, taiko artist Kenny Endo celebrates 40 years of taiko … Accessed March 6, 2012. We first came together to host the 1998 Regional Taiko Gathering -- a conference for groups from Oregon, Washington and Britsh Columbia. Total Time 53:40. However, Seattle Kokon Taiko does have repertoire that are Oedo Sukeroku naname, or slant, style, upright beta style, and Yodan style. Our early teachers and influences included: Seiichi Tanaka and San Francisco Taiko Dojo, San Jose Taiko, Kinnara Taiko, and Katari Taiko. Like John Coltrane, we want our art to be "a force for good" in the world. Kaze Daiko Taiko's performance can be viewed here! From the beginning, the group has strived to improve its taiko technique, serve the JA and Asian American community, work towards social justice and multi-national unity and have some fun. 75 Years and Counting: From Hiroshima to Hope - View Here Please view this moving film here and on our Facebook page -- featuring performances and readings by Troy Osaki, Seattle Kokon Taiko, Nikki Nojima Louis and Carletta Carrington Wilson. 5. Shikuma described the two groups as a "diverging stream that reconnects.". VisionSeattle Kokon Taiko strives to maintain and develop a Japanese American folk art based around the performance, promotion and study of taiko (Japanese drumming). RTG-Seattle meets regularly (almost once a month) to work on joint projects, e.g. Bainbridge Island's annual celebration of Japanese American culture will move online and last throughout the first month of 2021, offering online classes in at-home origami and mochi making (including a video of expert mochi pounder Shoichi Sugiyama), kids' activities, and performances from Seattle Kokon Taiko. Taiko is a vital part of our cultural heritage which we hope to contribute to current and future generations in our community and our country. Kaze Daiko: Taiko Performance. All are welcome! In April 1980, Ondekoza, the famed Japanese taiko group, appeared at the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. In July 1981 the Seattle Taiko Group made its official debut at the Seattle Chinatown/International District Summer Festival with a line-up that included Sue Taoka, William Satake Blauvelt, Jeff Hanada, Richard Higa, Ann Kawasaki, Kathy Kozu, Jan Kubota, Akemi Matsumoto and Masaye Okano (later Nakagawa). The program included musical performances by Seattle Kokon Taiko and the Minidoka Swing Band. We are here to preserve, develop and expand the art of taiko in the United States. Accessed March 6, 2012. An even bigger impediment may have been the lack of actual drums. We are responsible for imparting to our audiences and the general public an authentic and accurate account of taiko, its history, practice, performance and development. School of Taiko: Kids Performance. Seattle Kokon Taiko is a North American taiko ensemble based in Seattle, Washington. Discover Nikkei is a place to connect with others and share the Nikkei experience. During this time Taoka left the group to attend law school full-time and the group filled the gap by holding workshops with more established groups and teachers including Kinnara Taiko of Los Angeles, Roy and P.J. We consider taiko a community and national treasure. EXPLORE. EXPERIENCE THE HEART POUNDING EXCITEMENT OF TAIKOCrank up the volume and hit the "full screen" button--Seattle Kokon Taiko brings you their performance of "Rites of Thundering." The Japanese taiko culture, actually origins from China's drum culture. Chinese people invented drum in Xia Dynasty, and drum was introduced to Japan through China during Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907 AD). After debuting as a trio at the Nippon Kan Theater the group wanted to expand their sound by incorporating fue (Japanese flute) and more extensive use of percussion to augment the drums. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. 1. "Who is SKT?" (SKT is a member of Regional Taiko Groups of Seattle, AKA RTG-Seattle, a consortium of 8 local taiko groups.). 2014. Build multi-cultural understanding and multi-national unity. Games At 4,000 years of age, Go is the oldest board game in the world. Bookings, Treasurer, Practice Manaager, Volunteer Coordinator, Web-master, etc. Working together with other local taiko groups to host/produce the Regional Taiko Gathering 1998. percussion summit with artists from around the world including Brazilian master Airto and Micheal Shrieve of Santana. Key new members included Stan Shikuma, Ken Mochizuki, Sheri Nakashima, Michelle Kumata, Tom Eng, Joanne Egashira, Harriet Kashiwada, Kaoru Nakamura, and Michio Teshima. Merging (or RE-merging) of Seattle Taiko Group and Kokon Taiko Ensemble to form Seattle Kokon Taiko, which ushered in a period of growth in membership and artistic accomplishments -- orignial compositions, collaborations with other artists, publication of a newsletter, grant proposals, producing our own concerts.2. Info Credit. Through study, we expand our own knowledge base so that we may become better teachers as well as better performers. seattlekokontaiko.org ORGANIZATIONAL ALLIES: Taiko Community Alliance, Women and Taiko, Odaiko Sonora, Raging Asian Womxn (RAW), Seattle Kokon Taiko, TaikoArts Midwest, TaikoPeace, Sacramento Taiko Dan, Mujo Creative, Project Ikigai, KaDon, San Jose Taiko. As the core group began to emerge they solicited local merchants in the Japanese American community to raise funds to purchase the materials needed to make the first set of taiko drums. Nihon Buyo performance by cultural envoy Fujima Rankoh. Contact Us. They taught an extended series of taiko classes from which they recruited new members Joyce Nakamura and Martin Louie and became a quintet performing at area festivals and on local television. Taiko is both ancient and modern, something for all ages. Taiko drumming was originally featured at village festivals held to celebrate good harvests, fish, the arrival of summer or winter, or to pray for rain, says Stan Shikuma, a member of the performance group Seattle Kokon Taiko. Amazingly, the energy will be returned to you doublefold. Comments feed. Train a new generation of taiko players. Stanley N Shikuma is a writer, taiko (Japanese drum) artist, and community activist. The group performed at venues throughout the city and region and took part in workshops with Grand Master Daihachi Oguchi of Japan's Osuwa Daiko and the Okinawan all-women's group Miyarabi Taiko at the Japan/US Taiko Festival in San Francisco. Generally ,we teach each other according to our skills and expertise. STG (1980): William Satake Blauvelt, Jeff Hanada, Masaye Nakagawa, Akemi Matsumoto, Jan Kubota, Ann Kawasaki, ?? Mission. Sue Taoka, a community activist and former member of Denver Taiko, who had received training from Sensei Seiichi Tanaka of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, agreed to teach the new group which began gathering in Seattle's Chinatown/International District. Posts about Seattle Kokon Taiko written by minidokapilgrimage. Seattle Taiko Group had lost much of its membership in the previous years and Kokon Taiko Ensemble's Michio Teshima was stricken with stomach cancer. Seattle Kokon Taiko is a North American taiko ensemble based in Seattle, Washington. Speakers included Congressman Jim McDermott and former Washington Gov. We are based in the Japanese American community here in Seattle, from which we draw much of our support and inspiration. SKT has a Leadership Board of 3 members that make day-to-day decisions as needed for the group. We bring in master teachers (e.g. In Seattle Kokon Taiko, we strive to combine the old Japanese folk traditions with new American experiences. "Yui", Japanese for knot, as performed by Seattle Kokon Taiko. Portland Taiko is an active organization to the present day and maintains professionalism in national performance tours, workshops, educational and community outreach and innovation in taiko playing. Although positively received the group was dissatisfied with its performance and decided to postpone any further appearances for an extended period. The Japanese taiko culture, actually origins from China's drum culture. SKT is a member of Regional Taiko Groups of Seattle or RTG-Seattle, a consortium of 8 performing groups in the Seattle area. Chinese people invented drum in Xia Dynasty, and drum was introduced to Japan through China during Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907 AD). Later influences included Kenny Endo, Uzume Taiko, KODO and Hanayui. Hirabayashi of the San Jose Taiko Group and Sensei Seiichi Tanaka of the San Francisco Taiko Dojo. Part 1 of 3. We strive to consistently broaden and raise our own artistic level while reaching back towards our roots, combining elements of music, theater, dance and improvisation to develop our own unique style of taiko. Washington's first performing taiko ensember, Seattle Kokon Taiko, invites you to help them celebrate their 35th anniversary of powerful Japanese drumming at their Rythm, Movement, & Spirit concert on Saturday, October 1st, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.. Click Seattle Kokon Taiko above for tickets and more details. Stan left Seattle Taiko Group to form Kokon Taiko Ensemble in 1987, but the two groups merged to form Seattle Kokon Taiko in 1992, and Stan has continued to perform with Seattle Kokon Taiko. While there the group met influential taiko artists Russel Baba and Jeanne Aiko Mercer from whom they would take workshops over the years. The newly minted Seattle Kokon Taiko went on to perform at all the major festivals in the area including a joint appearance with taiko master Kenny Endo at Bumbershoot: the Seattle Arts Festival. They spent a year building drums, gathering gear and creating a repertoire that included traditionally based pieces and jazz influenced work. Fellow travellers who also helped or encouraged the group at this time were sister group Katari Taiko of Vancouver B.C., Canada (who had formed the year before) and singer-songwriter Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of San Francisco, CA. Box 26895 San Jose, CA 95159 info@taikocommunityalliance.org. Seattle Kokon Taiko October 01, 2016. 1. Concert performance at the North American Taiko Conference "Taiko Jam" at Benaroya Hall's S. Mark Taper Auditorium Seattle, WA Part 2 of 2. Kenny Endo, Tiffany Tamaribuch, Shohei Kikuchi, TaikoProject) when they are in town/available, often in conjunction with the other local taiko groups.