TAIKO NEWS
Taiko Drumline: The latest news from Tacoma Fuji Taiko
By WENDY HAMAI

Tacoma Fuji Taiko had an eventful 2010 and look forward to our 3rd year as a group in 2011!

We performed for Temple events of Shinnenkai, Hanamatsuri, and Bon Odori where we also organized and did the accompanying drumming for the dancing. We had our first public appearance as the kick off event at University of Washington Tacoma's observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage month in May. At that event, we talked about the heritage of this area being the former Japan Town before WWII and about the history of Japanese Americans in this area. The UWT performance was also the debut of Bobby Yotsuuye's (our taiko leader) new song "Osaya" which was inspired by the rhythms of a song from "Slumdog Millionare". It was always encouraging to hear Temple members say "you sound better!" each time we performed. Maybe we're toddlers now, grown from the infancy of our first year in 2009!

We met our goal of starting some fundraising through selling T shirts at Bon Odori. The T shirts had our new logo which incorporates the meaning of our name; Mt. Rainier (some also refer to as this area's Mt. Fuji), the Jodo Shinshu wisteria symbol ("fuji" is also the word for wisteria) encompassed within a Zen circle. From the T shirt sales, UWT performance and donations from participants in our informal sessions, we now have some funds to help repair our drums and can look forward to the purchase of some additional small instruments for the group.

One of our goals for this year was to share the fun of taiko with Dharma school students. The outcome of this was the performance at the recent Bodhi Day potluck. White River Buddhist Temple Dharma school students were invited to join us as part of an exchange but also as a way to thank WRBT for the loan of their two drums for the past 2 years. About 16 young children from both Temples had a great time in practice and at the potluck. Bobby and Junko worked with the students for several Sundays before Bodhi Day and had as much fun as the kids.

In the spirit of Dana (giving/sharing) we have been conducting monthly informal taiko sessions (4th Wednesday Taiko) for anyone interested in trying taiko. It is a way to provide an opportunity to drum for all the folks who expressed interest in taiko when we first started in Jan. 2009 but couldn't commit to the regular practices that forming a group required. This is also a way to reach out into the larger community. There is no requirement for regular attendance or pressure of performances. The goals is just to learn, try and have fun! We had sessions ranging from 4 to 11 participants with 20 different people attending throughout the year. The group is open to Temple members and non-Temple members. Contact Wendy at hamaistoll@harbornet.com if you're interested.

We are currently working on designing and sewing hapi coats and hope to show them off at Hanamatsuri or Bon Odori next year. We're looking forward to and practicing for the Northwest Buddhist convention in February that Tacoma Buddhist Temple will be hosting. We will conduct a children's workshop and perform for Saturday night entertainment.

Lastly, we want to thank all of you for your support during the past 2 years - buying our T shirts, cheering us at our UWT performance, putting up with our drumming while while trying to have a meeting in the Rev. Pratt room after service, and your constant words of encouragement. THANK YOU.....ARIGATO! Okagesama de.....

Wendy Hamai