Queer Taiko, founded in 2013 by professional taiko player Kristy “Aki” Oshiro, is a taiko group based in Oakland, California. They describe themselves as “a multi-cultural and intergenerational group of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies committed to building trans and queer community, representation and visibility through Japanese taiko drumming”. ^{[1] [2]}

Founder and History

Queer Taiko was formed in 2013 by Kristy “Aki” Oshiro (they/them), a queer, trans and non-binary, 4th generation Japanese-Okinawan taiko player. They have played professionally as an instructor and performer since 2007. ^{[1] [3]} Born and raised in Kona, Hawai'i, Aki started playing taiko at age 9 with Kona Daifukuji Taiko. Aki states that there wasn’t a lot of language or awareness on trans issues or non-binary identity growing up. Taiko drumming became both a way to celebrate their Japanese cultural heritage and express suppressed feelings in an environment that “didn’t really recognize [their] existence [as a trans and queer person]”. ^[4]

Aki was a member of Portland Taiko while they were earning a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance in Percussion at Portland State University. Aki was in contact with Tiffany Tamaribuchi, the head instructor and founder of Sacramento Taiko Dan, who gave Aki their first taiko instructor position at Sacramento Taiko Dan. Aki first met Tamaribuchi as a teenager when the latter led a female-focused taiko workshop at Kona Daifukuji Taiko. ^[2] Aki taught at Sacramento Taiko Dan from 2007 to 2014. Since then, Aki has also become the founder and Artistic Director of Tsubaki Ensemble and SOKO (Students Of Kristy Oshiro), the Creative Director of Placer Ume Taiko, the instructor of San Mateo Buddhist Temple Taiko, a touring member of Taikoza and Unit Souzou, and has performed and given taiko workshops across the U.S. and in Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Colombia. ^[1]

Group Structure and Philosophy

Queer Taiko functions like an informal “meetup group” instead of other taiko groups that embrace traditional Japanese teaching styles like a dojo. ^[5] Aki offers at least two beginner Queer Taiko classes a month along with intermediate or performer-focused classes, typically on Fridays. ^[5]. No experience or outside equipment is required to participate. While Aki suggests a $30 fee, the cost is on a sliding scale and no payment is required. ^[6]

This casual atmosphere and low barrier of entry allow people with busy schedules to participate more easily and, if interested, perform after just a few months. The performing group has a high turnover rate, with some performers leaving the group after their first performance. While this leads to the group having few regular member despite having existed for over 10 years, Aki says that they are happy to give as many people as they can to “try something new [and] be visible in the community.” ^[5]

Notable Events and Performances

Queer Taiko frequently performs around the Bay Area, particularly at Pride and LGBTQIA+ events. Notable performances include:

• San Francisco Pride in 2017. ^[7]
• Virtual performance at Oakland Asian Cultural Center on June 26, 2021. ^[8]
• Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in 2022 in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan. ^[9]
• Silicon Valley Pride in 2023. ^[10]
• Japantown Rainbow Coalition Pride Flag Raising Ceremony 2023 in San Francisco Japantown. ^[4]

Repertoire

The majority of the songs learned and performed by Queer Taiko are written and choreographed by Aki. Many of the songs are food-related. Some songs may also involve other instruments that Aki plays, such as a bamboo flute or Aki’s voice. ^[4]

Notable Songs:

• Song for SOKO (Students Of Kristy Oshiro), usually the first song played at a performance. ^{[8] [4]}
• “The Curly Noodle Song” - named after the Curly Noodle Club, a queer discussion group for the bi-annual North American Taiko Conference (NATC). The group was founded and run by Aki and their friends while they were at Portland Taiko in response to homophobia heard during the conference. ^{[8] [4] [2]}
• “Tabemashou” (Japanese for “let’s eat). Aki chants various popular Japanese dishes to the rhythm of the drums. ^{[8] [4]}
• “Ka-re” (Japanese curry) taiko - song named after Aki’s favorite food. ^{[11] [4]}

References