Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Yamada.
Hi Aimee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, my name is Aimee Midori Yamada and I am the founder of Yamato Taiko Group which is preserving the art of Taiko (Japanese drum) and passing it to future generations. I have been playing Taiko for over 44 years and began teaching in the 1980s. I, along with two of my daughters, also founded our local Buddhist Temple’s Taiko group, Isami Taiko. I have been volunteering and performing in cities all around Southern California for nearly four decades. I donate my time to teach the art of Taiko while introducing and sharing Japanese culture with the communities. I have taught anywhere from preschool-aged children up to University students and beyond. I also enjoy performing for dignitaries, various mayors and counsel members and senior citizen centers in many different cities across Los Angeles and the South Bay. Oftentimes, I would be performing in a multicultural performance. Performing Taiko at Disneyland and out of state venues has been very enjoyable for our group. Overall I enjoy volunteering in schools most. I collaborate and help in the production of their shows, oftentimes having practices after school for a few months, culminating in a show presented to the student body, faculty, parents and community members.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The art of Taiko does have some challenges, just as life itself. In essence, when I was younger, I would feel hurt when people took my music or credit for something that I, along with my daughters, composed. As time went on, I gained more experience and could see that will always be there. I choose to be strong and not let that concern me. I do not let that deter me from my love for Taiko. Taiko is bigger than the people that are playing it. It is an art. Sometimes people focus in reverse on themselves instead of the art of Taiko. It is a joy and privilege to play and perform. Each show has its own challenges, and that is the joy and inspiration of each and every creative adventure. Together, with the audience plus our show, 1 plus 1 equals 2 and it becomes whole. A true revolution of the composition of music to and for the audience. When you love and care, anything is possible!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist and creative at heart. I learned the art of Taiko (Japanese drum) by observing performers and teachers. I began learning the basics and over time taught myself how to play. I also learned how to build my own Taikos and make my own Bachi (drumsticks).
To help me afford the cost of volunteering, I have worked at an Airport since the 1970’s. I enjoy meeting people from all facets of life and working with people in all capacities. Someday I plan to write a book about my experiences, the history and many changes at the airport. Working there has afforded me to spend my daytime hours with my four daughters and also has allowed me to volunteer in many different school districts. This continued through my grandchildren growing up and continues to this day. I am most proud of committing to working at the airport while raising my four children and being able to volunteer at the same time. I feel good knowing over the past almost four decades that I have volunteered, I have given everything I can to everyone I have met. I enjoy giving of my time to the art of Taiko and sharing my Japanese heritage and culture.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Taiko is the heart and soul of the Japanese people. To play Taiko is synonymous to living a full, beautiful and happy life besides just presenting the musical show. It teaches you how to live the best and beautiful happy life while giving to others the same happiness and good life experiences.
Taiko has been in every avenue of life in Japan. It is used for religious purposes, Noh drama theatre, dance, during ancient times on the battlefields, for festivals, traditional stage dance and musical enjoyment. In the future, I hope to continue and share the beauty of this art enhancing good times for generations to come, with love and caring like the beginning of time. Thank you for the opportunity to highlight this craft to the world at large for the correct reasons. Many use it as a business, and that is one avenue, but I choose to share the art not connected to business or political aspirations. Simple terms, but most important for humanity always, sharing art and good times among mankind.
Contact Info:
- Email: Aimee.Yamatotaiko@gmail.com
