Sacramento Taiko Dan is a local non-profit organization that performs choreographed taiko drumming.

Taiko, which means “big drum,” was originally used for Japanese religious services; the taiko drum was later used for performing purposes after Tanaka Sensei, the first Japan-trained teacher of the art form, brought it to America.

Sacramento Taiko Dan rehearses once or twice a week and choreographs group performances based on the feeling and mood the composer wants to portray. The majority of the songs are composed by founder Tiffany Tamaribuchi who was trained by Sensei.

UNIQUE Programs Adviser, Zenia LaPorte, said why she wanted Taiko Dan to return to perform at Sacramento State for International Women’s Day in honor of Women’s HERstory month.

“They have a dynamic performance that’s both educational and entertaining,” LaPorte said. “It’s really an experience. The Redwood Room is always packed for this show.”

Asoka Ishiura-Lluch has been a performing member of Sacramento Taiko Dan for 19 years.

Ishiura-Lluch said her favorite part of performing is “seeing the audience’s reaction to our playing.”

Sometimes during sets, the group members have solo performances. Ishiura-Lluch said solos express who she is.

“When I play a solo, it’s my expression of how I appreciate and love life,” Ishiura-Lluch said. “That solo is a direct expression of me.”

Despite Ishiura-Lluch’s confidence during a solo performance, she said performing is not as easy it seems.

“Sometimes you forget parts of the song,“ Ishiura-Lluch said. “Or you lose your spot in the song. You come in too early or too late and you have to find it again.”

Ishiura-Lluch said the group’s audiences typically have never seen taiko drumming before.

“After our shows people say they loved it,” Ishiura-Lluch said. “That’s always rewarding to hear.”

LaPorte said audiences would gain an educational experience after watching Sacramento Taiko Dan.

“They’re not just entertaining. They explain every piece that they perform – the meaning, the different drums they use, etc – so you’re walking away with the experience and also some knowledge,” LaPorte said.

Ishiura-Lluch said her confidence grew while being a part of Sacramento Taiko Dan.

“When I started I was very shy, and taiko has helped me tremendously,” Ishiura-Lluch said. “(Now) I can’t imagine myself not playing taiko. It’s a part of who I am.”

Jordan Riturban can be reached at [email protected]