Berkeley Buddhist Temple Taiko
Class overview
Berkeley Buddhist Temple Taiko is a weekly class based at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple teaching students the Japanese performance art of drumming called Taiko. We focus on moving our bodies for health, expression, and music.
About Me
Hi!
My name is Kohtaro Yamakawa. I am the head Taiko Teacher at Berkeley Buddhist Taiko. I started playing Taiko in Dublin Ohio with the Dublin Taiko Group, a group started by Hayashi Eitetsu. I have since played for Columbia University Taiko, New York Taiko Aikokai, and Jiten Daiko. I love to teach and am always learning how to teach, as well as learning how to learn.
What is Taiko?
Taiko is a performing art based around playing Japanese drums called taiko. Traditionally, these drums were used in religious rituals, festival music, and as musical accompaniment to theater, among other things. During the 1950's American occupation of Japan, it started being played on a stage, becoming a performance art in and of itself. Since then, Taiko has traveled to America and has evolved to have spiritual, cultural, and musical meaning to those who play it.
In our class, we play Taiko to enhance our musicality, strengthen our health, and connect with its cultural roots. Shown are the oldest known artifacts depicting taiko drums in Japan, circa 6th century CE.