Paradise, pineapples, Zenshin Daiko, Maui Taiko, scooter riding, and taiko talking…I’m loving Hawaii so far!
Arriving in Paradise
After a wonderful couple of days back in San Jose with PJ and Roy Hirabyashi, Judy Kajiwara, Pear Urushima, Yuta Kato and all the San Jose Taiko team, I felt like I was leaving home as I sat on a plane to Maui. But no-one can feel blue for too long when the stereotypical view of Hawaii greets you as you leave the airport – palms being blown about in the island wind against a cloudy but beautifully warm day. I had almost felt guilty about my grant taking me to paradise, but actually, it turns out I’m dealing with it quite well.
Zenshin Daiko & Yuta Kato
Having rented a scooter to get around the island, I’ve had a chance to explore some of this surprising island, but I’m not going to lie to you…a lot of my time has been devoted to eating, and of course meeting new taiko people. I spent an evening with Tony from Zenshin Daiko, as two of his phenomenal youth groups had their weekly practice. I was greeted so warmly by everyone, and of course it wasn’t long until I was put in amongst the 10 year olds and found I couldn’t quite get the drill they were working on…one from Yuta I believe, thanks Yuta. Tony amazed me with how he ran the groups, or as it turns out, how he lets them run themselves. His philosophy on why he teaches, or shares taiko with young people is fascinating and clearly successful; the older class devoured the pieces they had been taught and worked on them with meticulous tenacity (and at times some heartfelt attitude) without much need for adult intervention…and all so friendly and respectful of each other. After loading the can, Tony dropped me back at my hostel (with a couple of pineapples from one of the taiko parents/pineapple farmers…love taiko people!) all I could think was I couldn’t wait until I met Tony again. 
I then had the pleasure of experiencing ‘First Friday’ party in Wailuku. The town just decided to have a party the first Friday of every month, where local food vendors entice people with delicious treats, and local musicians hang out down Market Street and play for the crowds that turn out to party. Although there was so much to see, I spent most of my time watching a street dance battle. The talent being competed was awesome, the spirit that encapsulated it all, and I think I can see threads to where some of the Zenshin Daiko kids get some of their competitive edge!
Maui Taiko dancing Obon!
I have also spent some time with Maui Taiko – last night I went to Kahului Jodo Misson’s Obon dance, which was the first I had ever experienced and was such a lovely way to spend the evening. Every time I see taiko in a new setting it somehow makes something inside me understand a little but more about kumidaiko. People coming together, with a real reason to do so, all together remembering, celebrating, keeping family and connections alive. I was told the dances are learned by dancing them, jumping in and not being shy, and keeping your eyes on the inner circle who you can rely on to show you the way. The movements were so beautiful, meaningful, and danced by parents holding babies in their arms and little ones holding each other’s hands up to Grandmothers dressed up in Kimonos, looking as elegant as ever.
I know I have a soft spot for events that span generations, an for any event that involves dancing, but this also had taiko being played, the heartbeat of the community that moved around the tower…I was moved, not only by that, but to see Fukushima Ondo finally having read so much about it, and looking forward to it. A dance that connects people can be so powerful. I returned this evening from an evening dedicated to “Breaking Atoms, Broken Lives”, remembering Nagasaki, Hiroshima & Fukushima. The evening was presented and represented by Kay Fukumoto of Maui Taiko, with koto, taiko and dance performances with prayers of peace that spanned all religions.
PJ Hirabyashi’s reading of the Charter for Compassion that night on Mount Shasta was in my heart as so many out energy and dedication to spreading peace through the power of taiko. It was a very important evening for me, and I am so lucky that I picked this week to be in Maui, although I am starting to believe that there is no such thing as coincidence, OR that every week in Maui is this good. Either way is fine by me.
Breaking Atoms, Broken Lives
My last few days on Maui were wonderful. I was invited to a pot-luck dinner at Kaye’s house, where the Japanese school girls who have been staying with Maui Taiko were guests of honour…again taiko players come together to share great food, and sit together talking about everything from how classes are run to sharing pictures of their latest drum restoration project. I hadn’t planned on staying long (on account of the terrifying scooter ride at night) but as I looked around I was about the last to leave…I guess there’s always so much to say.
It was an unexpected result of having been to the tsunami disaster area in Japan with Jonathan that I had an insight into what Kaye had been experiencing only a few weeks ago when she had taken some members of Maui Taiko to Japan with a tour of Fukushima Ondo, spreading strength and joy to the communities who had been completely removed from their worlds in the last 18 months. I look forward to watching her film,’ Grandfathers Drum’ – he message, she tells me, is translatable to any culture – take time to learn what has gone before you, ask questions and listen.
I went to hear Kaye Fukomoto’s presentation, ‘Breaking Atoms, Broken Lives’ about her trip back to Fukushima and the 
desolation that is left…there are no words, but I wanted to mention that not everything is dancing and joy and fun, but there is something to be learned about community in everything I’ve experienced so far.
I knew it would be hard to leave Maui, and I know that Oahu will hold different treasures, but there is something very special about this island, and I hope it is not too long before I have a chance to return.
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