Yoshikazu Fujimoto

In 1972, Yoshikazu Fujimoto joined Sado no Kuni Ondekoza, and when the group became Kodo in 1981, he was one of the founding members. For many years, he stood center-stage as the group’s featured O-daiko player and center-man for the Yatai-bayashi climax. He is presently Kodo’s most senior performing member. Yoshikazu Fujimoto is the epitome of the ensemble’s name, which means “Children of the Drum”– he truly loves taiko and always hopes to play with the heart of a child. In 1998, Fujimoto was recognized with the award of inka-no-sho (proof of Dharma transmission) for his proficiency in the demon sword dance, Onikenbai, upheld by Iwasaki Onikenbai in Kitakami, Iwate. Since 2007, he has been the dedicated head of Sado Island’s demon sword dance group, “Iwasaki-den Sado Onikenbai.” In recent years, he has played a large role in educating Kodo apprentices and has also led numerous workshops for the general public. He often makes guest appearances around Japan and performs with Yoko Fujimoto in their song and taiko duo, “Ninin-Angya.” He became a Kodo Distinguished Member in 2012, and that same year was appointed by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs to be a Cultural Envoy, teaching wadaiko in China.

Yoko Fujimoto

Yoko Fujimoto joined Sado no Kuni Ondekoza in 1976, and went on to become a founding member of Kodo when it formed in 1981. After three years as a performer, she stepped down from the stage to edit the monthly Kodo Japanese-language newsletter and act as an instructor to the apprentices. In 1989, Fujimoto began to sing again and has been a principal vocalist with Kodo ever since. In addition to Kodo, she performs in a range of solo and small-group projects, including “Ninin-Angya” with Yoshikazu Fujimoto and “Hanayui” with Kodo’s Chieko Kojima & Okinawan dancer Mitsue Kinjo. Since 1998, Fujimoto has led “Voice Circle” workshops, one of her self-proclaimed “life works.” In 2008, she released her first solo album, “morisa komorisa.” She became a Kodo Distinguished Member in 2012, and began producing her own solo projects that the same year. In 2014, her second solo album, “Yamazu Megurumo,” was released. In 2016, Fujimoto joined local musicians on Sado Island to launch a new performance project, “Puremu.”

Yosuke

Entered the Kodo Apprentice Program on Sado Island in 1998 and joined the Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble Kodo after completion of the program. Since then, he has traveled to 30 different countries for performances. In the production, 'Amaterasu', directed and played by world renowned kabuki actor Tamasaburo Bando, Yosuke was chosen to portray the role of the brother, Susano'o, and performed at the ACT Theatre in Tokyo, Minami-za in Kyoto, Kanamaru-za in Kagawa, and Shochiku-za in Osaka.

In October of 2017, he began his solo career specializing in the Odaiko performance. Underlining the theme of "Life is transient, life is precious, living this life to the very fullest", Yosuke broadens his field with his refined technique, strong mentality, and an explosive energy that goes beyond one's limits, for his various solo Odaiko performances, guest appearances on concert events and collaborations, stage direction, composition, and workshops.

Kris Bergstrom

Kristofer Bergstrom is an accomplished taiko performer, composer, and choreographer, known for pushing the tonal possibilities of Japanese drums and for his groundbreaking movement for slant-style taiko. He was a founding member of On Ensemble, formed Los Angeles Taiko Institute alongside Yuta Kato, and is currently 2017-2018 Artist in Residence for the City of Los Angeles.

David Wells

David began his musical journey as a clarinet player under the guidance of his father, a professional jazz musician. In 2003, he discovered Stanford Taiko, performing internationally with the group and eventually serving as one of the group's Artistic Directors. Since then, David has trained extensively and has performed with such groups as the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble, TAIKOPROJECT, Prota, On Ensemble, and Unit Souzou. He is an instructor at the Los Angeles Taiko Institute and an avid composer, having created work for all of the ensembles with which he has performed in addition to several commissioned works.

Jen Baik

Jen is a taiko player and instructor based in Los Angeles, CA. She first got her start in taiko during college with UC Irvine's Jodaiko. Since, she's been a part of other groups' performance ensembles and instructional staffs. Currently, she is a performing member of TAIKOPROJECT and UnitOne and is also a coach/instructor at Asano Taiko US's Los Angeles Taiko Institute facility.

Derek Oye

Derek Oye is the Chair to the Board of Directors. A taiko enthusiast of 10 years, he currently a member of Kinnara Taiko located in Los Angeles, CA.