Today we’d like to introduce you to Walter Nishinaka.
Hi Walter, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a fourth-generation Japanese American born and raised in Highland Park. I’m a full-time Taiko (Japanese drum) player and instructor. I also have a 3rd degree black belt in traditional Okinawa Karate. I host a podcast that focuses on the Japanese and Japanese American lifestyle in LA called “Little Tokyo Talks”. I’m also a supporter of LAFC as a member of the Expo Originals. In 2024, I will be Co-Director of Active Support for the 3252, LAFC’s Independent Supporters Union.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, it’s been smooth. Growing up in a rough neighborhood was a challenge because there was always the possibility of getting into trouble or getting hurt. I’ve seen a lot of gang activity due to where I lived. After high school, I realized that school wasn’t for me and decided to start working. In that time I felt like I hit a personal rock bottom and fell into a depression. In need of a restart, I decided to move to Japan where I lived for 7-8 months. In that time, I got to play taiko and train in karate. After coming back home, I felt like a new person and found happiness again. So there were struggles, but thankfully I have a strong support system behind me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time taiko player and instructor (Japanese drums). I started playing taiko when I was four years old in Little Tokyo. I don’t specialize in anything specific, but I do focus on teaching the basics and fundamentals of taiko. I teach all ages. I currently teach 6 classes in Little Tokyo and in the San Fernando Valley. I also perform with a small ensemble called Los Angeles Taiko Collective, which is a small group made up of taiko players from different backgrounds. I’m most proud of being able to teach people about this cultural art and teaching quality taiko to people young and old. As someone who is involved in many different communities, I’m most proud that I’m able to connect different people and different arts with each other.
How do you think about happiness?
Bringing people together makes me happy. I think community is so important for growth and strength in individuals. All my life, I was surrounded by strong communities and community leaders who made a huge impact on my life, so to be able to grow a community by bringing strangers together makes me really happy.
Pricing:
- J-Town Taiko Club, $75 for 4 classes
- San Fernando Valley taiko is $10 per class
- Private taiko lesson, $80 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.walternishinaka.com
- Instagram: taiko_walt, jtowntaikoclub, la_taiko_collective, littletokyotalks
Image Credits
Arthur Mok David Higgs
