What do you like about taiko?

jana morgan — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:00:24 +0000

Taiko refers to a drumming performance with roots in ancient Japanese culture. The name “Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko” translates as “Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Drums.” It’s a form of Japanese taiko that’s indigenous to Okinawa, Japan. The local Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii chapter of the worldwide Taiko Drumming and Dance Organization is a non-profit organization that has been teaching children and adults the beautiful style of Okinawan daiko the past 12 years. Their vigorous choreography, created in Okinawa, incorporates both traditional folk music and modern rock music in performances. RMD Hawaii is also a cultural club that seeks to maintain cross-cultural, international friendships through studying and promoting Okinawan culture. Anyone of any age or cultural background may participate. Discover Garden recently asked the students of RMD, “What do you like about taiko?”

Kylie Leong
Taiko Student
14 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I like taiko because I just love the music and hanging out with my friends.”

Celina Kiyuna
Taiko Student
14 years old
Pearl City, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I love taiko because I get to dance around and hit the drum, and it kinda takes out my anger. . . Plus it brings me closer to my friends.”

Kelcie Leong
Taiko Student
8 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I like taiko because I get to kiai (yell out calls of encouragement in order to build energy), and I get to dance around.”

Jon Loomis
Taiko Instructor
30 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I like taiko because practicing hard and doing your best gives you a deep feeling of satisfaction.”

Landon Akau
Taiko Student
14 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I like taiko because it’s fun.”

Kyle Arakaki
Taiko Student
9 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I like taiko because I like to hang out with my cousins, and we get to travel to different places like Kauai, Big Island and Maui . . . and some outer states like Los Angeles.”

Lara Shinsato
Taiko Student
13 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“I’ve been doing it for a long time, so it helps me get connected with my cultural stuff, and I get to perform at a lot of places. Like once we went to a water park, so it’s cool.”

Alex Au
Taiko Student
12 years old
Honolulu, HI

What do you like about Taiko?
“Because it brings the culture of Okinawa to Hawaii.”

Hawaii Advenures | Discover Garden » japanese

What do you like about taiko?