Kyodo Taiko members unite to raise awareness
By Katie Mitchell
Jan. 7, 2003 9:00 p.m.
The Japanese word “kyodo” has two translations:
“family” and “loud children.”
UCLA Kyodo Taiko, a Japanese drumming group which will perform
Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. as part of the Fowler Out Loud Series, has used
both of these meanings to define the essence of the group. Though
Japanese in origin, the UCLA group is composed of many non-Japanese
students who have united as “family” and “noisy
children” for cultural awareness.
“One of the things that makes Kyodo amazing (is) having
that connection with a bunch of people who may be completely
different from you otherwise,” said Emi Matsushita, a senior
Japanese student.
Taiko drumming, a sacred art form, musically symbolizes a prayer
and blessing for the crops and a hope for an abundant harvest. In
ancient times, the Japanese people thunderously beat the taiko
drums, hoping to bring rain and expel destructive pests.
The ancient practice has evolved in modern times and in the
United States has become a cathartic experience to help Japanese
Americans cope with tempestuous emotions and to encourage pride and
solidarity.
UCLA’s Kyodo Taiko was founded in 1990 as part of Nikkei
Student Union, and in 1992 it gave its first major performance
commemorating the 50th anniversary of Japanese internment, honoring
the 175 UCLA students who were interned.
The group today includes both experienced and beginning drummers
from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“Older members teach newer members technique, history and
songs. We keep taiko alive at UCLA and try to spread our spirit by
playing,” said Matsushita, a taiko drummer for three
years.
Kyodo Taiko performs annually at NSU’s Culture Night, has
hosted the Intercollegiate Invitational Concert, and has also
appeared at the Tofu Festival, the Lotus Festival and the First
Annual U.S.A. Sumo Open. The group has also performed at various
exhibit openings for Fowler, including the “Matsuri”
exhibit on Japanese festivals now on display.
Kevin Kitano, a member of Kyodo and a third-year business
economics student, says that Fowler Out Loud’s commitment to
cultural awareness shares many of the same goals as the group.
The performance at Fowler will consist of eight songs. The
group’s members either write or arrange all the music they
play, and the songs they are using for this performance have been
specially chosen in accordance with Fowler’s
“MATSURI!” (Japanese festival) exhibit.
“We’re playing traditional and student-composed
pieces that are energetic and have an upbeat, happy vibe,”
Kitano said.
Kevin Kitano joined Kyodo Taiko after a show when he, as an
audience member, felt the drumming music strike an inner chord.
“There’s so much energy in the air, and the
performance plays with so much joy and spirit. I just want to do
the same,” Kitano said.
UCLA Kyodo Taiko will perform in the Fowler Interior Courtyard
of the Fowler Museum on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
