Hideo Suzuki

Head of Koryu

○ Self introduction.

I am the leader of Koryu. I started with Yotei Daiko at the age of 10 and more than 30 years have passed since. I was literally brought up with Youtei Daiko. Having since inherited the roll as leader of Youtei Daiko it has now fallen onto me to preserve Youtei Daiko for future generations.

I work locally as a flower designer combined with the job of an undertaker. Don't hesitate to say hello even when I'm at work.

○ Why taiko?

During my time at elementary school I thought I might become popular with the girls if I could drum skillfully. And for this somewhat unpure reason I started drumming. Later in junior high school I joined the taiko club also. During that time Roku-san and taiko drumming took me to  all kinds of places. During senior high my desire to become popular with the girls finally came true! I played the drums with more vigor than ever. At the age of 20 I founded Koryu as an adult taiko team. Becoming the leader of this team came with great responsibility and made me even more enthusiastic about drumming. Now it was my responsibility to spread knowledge about Yotei Daiko to others and carry it over to the next generation.

Tomoo Suzuki

Sub-Head of Koryu / Head coach

○ Self introduction.

My name is Tomoo Suzuki. I am subhead of Koryu and also head technical coach.
More than a quarter century has already passed since I started studying Yotei Daiko and it really has become a part of me.
Even at this age I still work hard towards my dreams just as when I was a schoolgoing child.
My dream for the future is to become just like Roku-san.

○ Why taiko?

As a 3rd year school student I became interested in the taiko drumming that had occupied my older brother (head of Koryu) for 1 year already. Since then I have not even once thought about quitting.

Miharu Suzuki

Director

○ Self introduction.

I live in Kutchan and am the proud mum of 3 kids. I always try to respond swiftly to enquiries for new events and because I'm busy with taiko, childcare, work and family life, one year passes by quickly. I'm in my thirties now and plan to work hard for at least another 60 years!

○ Why taiko?

"Study Yotei Daiko by next month!" Was I forced? Did I get stuck with it?
Although at first, given the above bitter reasons, it was hard trying to memorize the song, slowly but surely I got infected with Roku-san magic and now I can no longer imagine life without Youtei Daiko.

Eiji Suzuki

IT

○ Self introduction.

I play the lead drum. I have been practicing every day in order to deliver a harmonious performance together with the other members.

○ Why taiko?

When I was in my twenties, coworkers at my employer of that time wanted to see taiko drumming. I arranged with the subhead of that time (current head of Koryu) to attend a practice session. My colleagues were very impressed with the performance. 

I myself was also impressed. However it did not stop there. I also wanted to try and play Youtei Daiko and that is how it all started...

Tomoko Maruya

Public Relations

○ Self introduction.

I'm public relations officer for Koryu. Since we are based in an internaitonal ski resort, I try to boost internationalization through our drumming activities. I want to thank all of my taiko friends for making my life in Kutchan wonderful!

○ Why taiko?

A long time ago I used to live in Otaru city where I had the chance to listen to Ushio Daiko at a local festival. The taiko sounded so full of enjoy and I became to like it. After moving to Toronto, Canada I was separated from Japan and Japanese culture. However, even in Toronto I was able to attend taiko concerts by Kodo and others causing my interest in taiko to grow and grow. After several years of living in Toronto and becoming to realize that I belong in Japan after all, I decided to return to my home country. Some years later I moved to Kutchan for work and that's where I ran into Yotei daiko. A friend of mine used to practice with Koryu and she encouraged me to join. My passion for taiko started burning again and here we are now. Taiko is one of the best things that happened to me in life and I will keep on practicing for a long time to come!

Harumi Oomoto

Auditor

○ Self introduction.

○ Why taiko?

Izumi Nakamura

Technical Coach

○ Self introduction.

○ Why taiko?

Yuki Shioyama

Accountant

○ Self introduction.

I was one Koryu fan in a crowd almost moved to tears by their performance.

I inherited the strong love for taiko from my grandfather who was a drummer at O-bon festivals.
My love for taiko has only grown and I go to practice from the outskirts of town.

○ Why taiko?

When I was 4 years old, a taiko club was launched in my local town. My grandfather was the leader of that club.
"If grandfather plays the drum, I also want to play!"
For this shallow reason alone I joined the club. And gradually I became addicted.
When joining  higher education I became estranged from drumming for a period of approximately 10 years.
Then I saw an announcement for "Mama san daiko" which really touched me and I decided to take part in it. Once more my love for taiko was ignited and without thinking twice I decided to jon Koryu.

Sachiko Murata

Technical Coach

○ Self introduction.

Food is my number one among clothes / food / housing. I simply love delicious things! I dream of an old age where I can just ride my motor bike from place to place, play the taiko drums and enjoy some alcohol. Sometime I will also visit your city. Let's go and have a drink together at that time!

○ Why taiko?

When my daughter, Nanoka, was a 2nd grade elementary school student, she took part in a lesson, taught by Izumi sensei, to learn Youtei Daiko. Back at home I was ridiculed by her because I could not play Yotei Daiko. Of course I could not just let this slip by and that's how I started taiko drumming. At that time I had not yet seen a performance by Koryu and I did not even know such a group existed. And now I've become so completely absorbed by it. All thanks to Roku-san!

Kris

Public Relations

○ Self introduction.

Living in Japan since 2008. I love Hokkaido <3

○ Why taiko?

My first contact with taiko was a performance by Kodo in my home country. It was a magnificent experience. Never would I have thought to be able to play the taiko myself. But then in 2008 I moved to Japan and again bumped into taiko. This time a performance by Koryu at the Kutchan Jaga Matsuri. And of course it did not stop there, taiko is alive and kicking in Japan and I had many chances to enjoy live performances. In 2012 I finally decided to give it a try myself and joined Koryu's yearly workshop in preparation of the Jaga Matsuri. And I haven't stopped playing since...

Hideyuki Kitagawa

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

My name is Hideyuki Kitagawa. I was born and raised in Kutchan. I represent the Junior Koryu team.
I enjoy sports like softball and baseball in summer, skiing in winter. And of course my number one hobby is taiko drumming. I simply adore it and just like Roku-san I want to continue drumming till my death.

○ Why taiko?

For me it all started when I was 5 and Roku-san visited our nursery school to teach us how to play Yotei Daiko. If I hadn't been introduced to taiko drumming at that age, I probably would not be drumming with Koryu now and would not be representing the Junior Koryu team. Being able to meet Roku-san was simply the best!

Nanoka Murata

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

Hello to all you Koryu fans, my name is Nanoka Murata.

★ Favourite foods: rare cheesecake / zaru soba ★ Favourite study subject: English ★ Favourite weather: snow / storm ★ Favourite color: black / light-blue / orange ★ Favourite cartoon character: Chip and Dale (from Disney cartoons)

☆ Disliked foods: vegetables / spicy food ☆ Disliked study subject: everything  but English ☆ Disliked weather: clear weather ☆ Other dislikes: Unneeded movement

○ Why taiko?

At the time of entering junior high school, when all my friends were picking club activities to join, I decided to dedicate myself to study so that the slow headed, study loathing me could at least join my senior high school of choice. However, this determination did not last long, I wanted to do some exercise. Still nothing happened for another 6 months. In October I went to see Koryu's yearly event. It was the first time Koryu would play the song called SL Daiko. I was impressed by the song. Moreover, I thought "Hey, if I play the taiko drums, that counts as physical exercise, right?". I had a talk with my mother and said I wanted to play the taiko.  (me) "Mum, I want to join Koryu" (mum) "Go ahead. But make sure to dedicate yourself to it." (me) "Of course!" And that's how I was able to join Koryu. Nowadays I cannot image life without it! Big thanks go out to Roku-san.

Mayumi Matsuo

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

○ Why taiko?

Jyunko Kasai

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

I'm the mother of 2 children. I came from Saitama prefecture originally and live in Niseko.

★ Things I like: gardening, kitchen garden, walking, trying out tasty foods, badminton.
★ My character (flaws / strong points): indecisive / think before acting ; tend to find things bothersome / act when it's time to act ; shy / good listener.

I moved to Kutchan from Saitama prefecture in 2007 at the time of my marriage.

○ Why taiko?

Just having moved to Kutchan town, I saw a notice for workshops at the Kutchan public hall. Before starting the course I just liked general taiko performances, the sound of the taiko drum. I did not yet know about Koryu or Roku-san.

Reo Nogami

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

My name is Reo Nogami. I haven't been able to dedicate myself to drumming because of bone fractures, child birth. However someday I'll be able to give it my all.

○ Why taiko?

I fell in love at first sight with taiko drumming during the Kutchan Potato Festival. Afterwards I joined the Taiko Drumming Workshop at the Kutchan public hall. It was fate that brought us together.

Hitoshi Koike

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

My name is Koike. I've been a member of Koryu since 2006. and my greatest joy is having a beer after practice or after an event.
I want to reach out to people's hearts by means of taiko drumming.

○ Why taiko?

My introduction to taiko happened when I joined the student council in my high school days. At that time there was a taiko drumming group associated with the student council and that's how I got to pick up the drumming sticks for the first time.

Following graduation I left my hometown for a period of 10 years. After returning to Kutchan I contacted Koryu's leader and asked to be made an apprentice of Koryu once again.

I want to pass on the drumming tradition of my home town to the children, and effectively to the next generation.

Yumiko Nakamura

Manager

○ Self introduction.

A healthy spirit in a fit body! That is my motto! I always take good care of body and soul in order to be able to deliver energetic musical performances every time again. Although in recent years I might have been losing ground to younger members, I always remind myself for taiko drumming, age does not matter. I am also interested in the bamboo flute and am currently learning how to play. If someday a chance arises I'd like to play the flute for you.

○ Why taiko?

My first love was "Fire Festival Taiko" of my home town Kamikawa. Although during my childhood I always wanted to play the taiko drums, due to various circumstances I was unable to.

My 2nd love was "Youtei Daiko". In 2005 I moved to Kutchan due to my husband's job transfer. Looking for some interesting activities to do in Kutchan, I went to the Kutchan Public Hall together with my little daughter. There I saw an announcement for the "Youtei Daiko Drum Workshop". Then and there I decided to take part in the course.

Yukie Nakamura

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

My name is Yukie Nakamura and I was born in 1987, year of the rabbit.
I love delicious things and I sleep well after eating.
My family will often mistake me for someone born in the year of the ox...
Now I live in Tokachi. I'm sorry to say so... I'm still not a cow. Mooo
Tokachi is all open fields and I long for Kutchan's views of Mt. Yotei and the Annupuri mountain range.
I will return to Kutchan soon! And at that time I will work hard in order to be able to deliver a powerful taiko performance!

○ Why taiko?

I was introduced to taiko by my own birth mother, Izumi Nakamura, leader of the Izumi family.
Every phrase in Roku-san's songs have a specific meaning, image and the more I learn about the songs, the more I start to like them.
It will still take me some time to be able to express Roku-san's narrative through my taiko drumming , but little by little I will get there.

Saki Masuda

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

Born and raised in Sapporo, I went to university in Osaka. After finishing university in 2013, I started working in Kutchan. I have been singing in a choir since middle school all the way through university. I like Hokkaido and Takarazuka Revue.

○ Why taiko?

As a student I was impressed by a taiko drum scene during a performance of the Takarazuka Revue. Wow! If at all possible I wanted to play the drum myself.

After living in Kutchan for a while, one day in May while looking at Facebook I saw an advert for a taiko workshop at the public hall. The ad mentionted there was still time to apply for the course. Yes! This is it, I thought and send my application email to Miharu.

Now, already one year and several months have passed since my intitiation to Youtei Daiko. I received my happi coat and have become a full member of Koryu. Let's continue to work hard and enjoy taiko drumming!

Mizuki Tsukagawa

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

My name is Mizuki Tsukagawa and I'm the youngest member that has received a happi coat! My favourite foods are all kinds of sweets. I don't like sashimi and natto. (Generally speaking I like food) I love playing outside and like festivals even more!

Haha, it seems I'm talking about non taiko related stuff only... Because I'm still a student, the number of events I can participate in is low. Please say hello if you see me at an event. It will do me great pleasure!

○ Why taiko?

※ Since I was a member of the Boy Scouts before, I will explain my reasonings in 2 parts.

Somehow I joined the Boy Scouts. At that time my older sister was already a member of the Taiko Boy Scouts and for this reason alone I as a 3rd year elementary school student also wanted to join. I didn't practice seriously yet, but gradually started playing.

The event that changed this was the passing away of our master, Roku-san.

We played a last performance in honor of Roku-san and to be honest, we fell short. The count was off, sound wasn't clear and the ending was also a mixed bag. I was quite shocked. Is this what our drumming is like? From that time on I started practicing seriously. And then I met Koryu. My sister joined Koryu and I became intrigued by the fun she was having. We invited Koryu members to teach at our primary school and I had thought that Koryu was a much more laid-back, carefree environment. But tagging along with my sister going to practice I was really surprised. It is hard to explain in words, but that's when I thought "Let's join Koryu!".

Nanami Tsukagawa

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

○ Why taiko?

Miwa Kumagai

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

In 2007 I moved to Kutchan from Eastern Hokkaido.

My interests are taiko and swimming. My dream image is to have a fit body, but after exercising and burning calories, there's always the temptation of a nice cool beer. So in order to keep the status quo I try to play the taiko drums powerfully.

○ Why taiko?

I saw my first Koryu performance during the winter of 2009.
Seeing everyone drumming so happily in the snow, made me feel happy also.
" That's so cool! " "I want to do that! " were my thoughts of the time and the next spring I joined the Taiko Drumming Workshop at the Kutchan public hall.

Mayumi Kita

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

○ Why taiko?

Ami Hatsuyama

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

○ Why taiko?

Satoko Ito

Regular Member

○ Self introduction.

I adored Roku-san. My drumming skill  is not yet up to the same level, so I mainly play from the heart. Nevertheless I'm happy being able to play the taiko drums. Currently I'm unable to attend practice sessions, but my taiko drumming friends and the sound of the drums itself  are my support.

○ Why taiko?

I became supervisor of the Taiko Boy Scouts during the first summer of my professional career. I was hugely impressed by the sound of the taiko drumming at the Sutsu Summer Festival.

I felt like that was something I wanted to do myself also and I signed up for the Taiko Drumming Workshop at the Kutchan public hall.

I love taiko more than drinking parties, more than anything!