Koyasan Spirit of Children Taiko Celebrates 30 Years
This article appeared in the December 2023 issue of the Northern California Koyasan Temple Newsletter.
On October 21st, Koyasan Spirit of Children Taiko celebrated its 30th anniversary with a sold-out performance at Laguna Town Hall in Elk Grove.
In addition to each class performing a song, there was an introduction by Rev. Mimatsu, an alumni song, a special guest performance from Sacramento Taiko Dan, and a finale song with all members. After the show, guests attended a dinner, catered by Ramen House Tenjin, took photos at the photo booth, participated in a raffle, and heard from some of the student performers and event organizers. Throughout the night, a slideshow showcasing the team’s 30-year history played, concluding with a special message from Rev. Asahi, who expressed his gratitude and joy to see the group continue past this milestone.
First of all, I would like to commend all the students on their accomplishments. Each student and each class worked hard to get themselves ready for their performance, overcoming many challenges that included listening to one another while also staying true to their own internal rhythm, incorporating the advice of teachers while recognizing their own unique journey, and letting go of fear and ego to be able to share the present moment with the audience. Are these not the same challenges that we must work diligently for in our daily lives? I hope that each student feels that they have learned something about themselves in the process. Your performances gave me genuine joy, and I hope you had fun, too!
Additionally, it is important to recognize the important work of the organizers. The event was meticulously planned by a committee, which included Janine Del Mundo, Heather Kurihara, Linda Oxley, and Sunshine Umeda, as well as Dave sensei and Kaori sensei. They would often meet downstairs while we were practicing, somehow managing to talk (perhaps shout) above the noise of the drums. Sometimes planning for the things closest to us are the hardest - there’s a sense of needing to meet the moment. From all of us who enjoyed the concert and dinner, we can say with certainty that you have succeeded. Thank you for all the time and energy you put into this wonderful celebration.
Lastly, for a taiko group like ours to exist for 30 years, it truly is a community effort. It was evident in all the people who cheerfully volunteered to help at the concert, and also in the parents, friends, and supporters who came out to watch the show. This support exists from the busy parents who still find the time and energy to drive to taiko practice, even facilitating (and enduring) at-home practice. This support exists from the other temple programs - the karate classes that clean the practice space weekly - and the storage space we are granted for our many drums and equipment.
To support others and be supported - there is something fundamental about this in taiko, in music, and in life. It’s hard to make it 30 years without recognizing this interdependence. I am humbled by the generosity of spirit of this community, which has nurtured this program now for three decades, and even through the pandemic.
I want to give one last recognition to Kaori sensei, whose passionate and joyful spirit has guided so many students in the art of taiko, and which preserves against all odds. I want to thank her for fighting through the pandemic and online learning to keep this program going strong for its 30th anniversary. I am very grateful to her for this opportunity to continue to study and to teach taiko, to imagine all that it might become in another 30 years.
