Kristy “Aki” Oshiro (they/them) is a queer, trans and non-binary, 4th generation Japanese Okinawan-American professional taiko artist based in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area with over 30 years of experience. Founder and Artistic Director of the Tsubaki Ensemble, Queer Taiko, and SOKO Taiko, Creative Director of Placer Ume Taiko, and instructor of San Mateo Buddhist Temple Taiko. Aki also teaches taiko drumming classes in many cities from Nevada City to San Mateo and is available for group performances, touring, collaborations, school assemblies, residencies, workshops, private lessons, original compositions, corporate team building, rearrangement work, and artistic consultation.
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About Aki Oshiro
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About Arugakki
Arugakki is a collective of taiko artists, musicians, and dancers surrounding Los Angeles-based performer and composer, Kristofer Bergstrom, and the hub for adventurous taiko in southern California, Los Angeles Taiko Institute. Arugakki’s performances take diverse forms, from participatory mochi-making theater parties to bicycle-powered, roving taiko concerts. Arugakki’s percussive, uplifting music fuels engagement and celebration. Arugakki’s music is the defiantly contemporary, southern-California version of a traditional concept: rhythm as integral part of art and culture.
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About Chizuko Endo
Learn more about Chizuko Endo and Taiko Center of the Pacific.
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About Diana Wu
Learn about Diana Wu’s group, Naruwan Taiko.
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About Kenny Endo
Learn more about Kenny Endo and Taiko Center of the Pacific.
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About Masato Baba
TAIKOPROJECT was founded in 2000 in Los Angeles, California by a group of young, emerging taiko drummers led by Bryan Yamami and Masato Baba. The group continues to define a modern American style of taiko, blending traditional forms with an innovative and fresh aesthetic.
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About PJ Hirabayashi
Learn more about PJ at TaikoPeace, TaikoVentures, and PJ & Roy Taiko.
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About Roy Hirabayashi
Learn more about Roy on TaikoVentures and PJ & Roy Taiko.
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About Russel Baba & Jeanne Mercer
Shasta Taiko is a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. Shasta Taiko’s goal is to teach, promote and present the art of Japanese drumming, the art of Taiko.
Learn more about their group, Shasta Taiko, here.
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About San Jose Taiko
San Jose Taiko’s dedication to the development of the taiko art form is evident not only through performances, but also in its diverse educational programs. The San Jose Taiko Conservatory includes nationally recognized programs like the highly acclaimed tour residencies and the Junior Taiko program, as well as the Adult Recreational Class, Public and Corporate Workshops, School Outreach Program, Taiko Intensives, and Master Classes.