Family

This is a special page dedicated to all of the people and groups that have supported us. We consider these people a part of our taiko family. Their love, support, and enthusiasm will never be forgotten.

Yuta Kato

We could write a whole book about how much time and love Yuta has dedicated to us. We are forever grateful to Yuta for sharing not only his knowledge of taiko, but his love for it as well. There would be no Yukai Daiko if it weren't for him. Yuta didn't just teach us taiko, he introduced us to the taiko community, enabling us to get involved in it. His inspiration and dedication have touched many lives here at UCLA. From starting off playing Renshu to getting A–Extended right in Omiyage, we have learned much from you, and we thank you for what you have done here at UCLA.

Michelle Fujii

Michelle!!!! Another UCLA alumna, we were honored to have Michelle be our guest instructor for our first year as an official group. Her input, experience, and perspective in taiko were a definite welcome to us. Known for her work in fusing traditional Japanese folk dance and taiko, she taught us the importance of having a strong basic foundation and an appreciation for stage presence in performances.

She taught us a rearrangement of Itsuka, a song she had written for On Ensemble. Moreover, she was just an awesome person to learn from and to just be around. Her fun spirit and energy will never be forgotten. We wish you the best of luck at Portland Taiko and beyond, Michelle. We miss ya.

Toshizumi Kato

Yuta Kato's dad, who is a professional taiko drum builder (visit his website), advised us in making our first five chu-daikos. A musician and taiko enthusiast himself, Mr. Kato has always been supportive of our group. From inviting us into your home to answering our drum–making questions, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Mr. Kato.

Matt Matsushita

While we made our drums, Mr. Matsushita designed and built our chu-daiko stands and rollers. The design is very original and compact because the stands can transform to slant, omiyage, and miyake positions. Always a taiko and video enthusiast, you can find him at a taiko performance with a tripod in one hand and a camcorder in the other. We'll definitely make you proud as we continue to grow as a group.

Julia Kato

Yes! Another Kato! Muahhahah....*ahem*... Part of the San Francisco Dojo Rising Stars along with her brother, Yuta, she has played taiko since childhood. She has shared her vast knowledge and experience with our members while performing on stage with us. We wish you the best in your endeavors, Julia, and hopefully you can jam with us from time to time.

Byron Yamada

Byron, another UCLA alumnus, has always been there for us as an advisor and friend. From visiting and assisting with our practices to donating a pair of hyoshigi, we definitely appreciate your support.

The Higashi Family: TAIKOPROJECT, Bombu Taiko, Kitsune Taiko

We are enthusiastic and proud to be a part of the Higashi family, which consists of our sister groups: TAIKOPROJECT, Bombu Taiko, and Kitsune Taiko. Being a part of the family allows us to be even more involved in the taiko community.

We want to give special thanks to Bryan Yamami, Director of TAIKOPROJECT, and Lisa Shimamoto, Director of Bombu Taiko, for always supporting us. We thank you two and look forward to strengthening the bonds between our groups.