“Taiko is all about hitting big drums with big sticks, as hard as you can, and feeling it!”
Hello Arlene and Diablo Taiko, thank you for taking the time for a chat with us! Please introduce yourself and feel free to share something about you that people might find new or surprising.
“I am Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen and I am a three-time cancer survivor! I was told at one point by a surgeon that I'd never be able to do sit-ups and needed to stop playing taiko drums. So I said ‘okay’ and I kept on playing since this very practice helped me through the cancer episodes. I've shared this healing practice with patients at the Cancer Support Community and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society among many others. Hitting big drums with big sticks and yelling deeply from one's core is extremely therapeutic. Besides, where else can one experience this?”
Can you tell us about your roles as volunteer coordinator and community director at the Clayton Library Foundation and other organizations you’re involved with, and what they entailed?
“The pandemic either closed or forever changed all of the large volunteer programs, community events, and programs I worked with and created. Prior to that, for over 20 years I served as the community connection at the Clayton Community Library, directed Community Outreach & Events and led their Volunteer Program. I’m very proud that during that time the largest of all of the 26 branches in the county boasted 30% of all the library volunteers combined. Many ‘firsts and amazing collaborative grassroots ventures came to fruition, like when I was initiated as the director of library parade floats and the largest entry had 74 participants and smoke breathing 10 ft. decoupage dragon.”
I also started a library fundraiser, founded and directed the Creekside Arts, Music Nature & Cultural Festivals and Guild, initiated, organized and served as video liaison for the first Library Historical Video, created collaborative themed programs for all ages including those that fulfilled curriculum requirements for local schools such as Watershed Field Studies in the nearby creek and California Early Days. I also mentored countless high school students on senior projects and led the library to become the first in the State of California to become a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
Currently as a contractor I still source and subcontract artists for various arts, nature, cultural programs for several libraries and other locations. I have extensive experience working with the AAPI Coalition and on grants to provide educational studies about the Japanese American encampment experience during WWII, and I was appointed to the Contra Costa County Arts & Cultural Council Steering Committee. And at the recent AANHPI Heritage Fest held at the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors chambers I served as a core committee member for what was the largest and most successful event held in the chamber’s history – yay!”
“The beauty of dance, song, music, instruments, spoken word and art is that they all tell a story and capture the heart, spirit, and essence of the generations before us.”
Let’s talk about culture – and specifically your roots in Japanese culture – tell us how you share and amplify this through Diablo Taiko and maybe share a bit about the importance of cross-cultural partnerships?’
“I grew up dancing Japanese folk dances and when I had children I carried them in a baby carrier strapped to my body while dancing. I learned and performed ballet, tap, jazz, character dance representing different cultures, modern dance and choreography in college. When I was younger I played and performed violin, piano, guitar and clarinet in orchestras, bands and marching bands, and I also was an ‘informal’ vocalist. And as an adult I learned taiko drumming, ukulele, hula dancing and worked on my singing. Currently, in addition to Diablo Taiko, I play and perform in NorCal Gagaku, an ancient Japanese orchestral form that was traditionally played before the Imperial Court.”
I've always been interested in all cultures and viewing the similarities and unique differences. As with many others post pandemic, I've re-evaluated my priorities in life and decided to take college classes in Ethnic Studies and Social Justice to keep current and have a better understanding of the hot topics in our society today. To be honest, much of our history – which is taught VERY differently than when I was young – I found absolutely heartbreaking to read. Though the rich heritage and cultural creative practices in song, dance, storytelling, music, visual art and food – one of my favorite subjects! – are all fascinating, so much of what and who we are today is because of those who came before us. The beauty of dance, song, music, instruments, spoken word and art is that they all tell a story and capture the heart, spirit, and essence of the generations before us. Who they were as a human beings enjoying and exploring and creating beauty in this world. By being connected to these forms we connect to the generations before us, and this connection somehow roots us and can inspire us to seek out creative ways to help us continue through life's hardships.”
“Our group is comprised of some very talented and incredible people and we're proud to be a bridge between culture and community.”
You are also the head of the Diablo Taiko Japanese drumming group – tell us how you got into taiko and what it means to you.
“I've attended Japanese Obon Festivals all my life that honor those who came before us, and I always wanted to play the large taiko drum that accompanied the folk dancing. That honor was usually given to an older male to play. Playing taiko drums as an ensemble didn't become popular until a jazz drummer in Japan started in 1951 and then it eventually made its way to the U.S. in the late 1960's. It wasn't until I became a parent with very young children wanting to connect them to the Japanese culture that I played taiko for the first time. I've been playing now for about 17 years with Diablo Taiko, minus a few years during the pandemic. And while others moved on, I stayed with it because my family was involved in other clubs at the Japanese American Center and I was asked to step in to keep it going. It's an honor to be able to carry forth this cultural tradition and share it with others in the community and outside. Our group is comprised of some very talented and incredible people and we're proud to be a bridge between culture and community. And yes, our logo reads ‘Dentou - Keisho’ which translates as ‘Tradition - Succession’ and it reflects our mission to honor tradition and ensure that it continues forward.”
A behind the scenes look at a Diablo Taiko rehearsal session
Can you share examples of how art and music have had an impact on building community and bringing people together?
“After the pandemic, with the U.S. and the world experiencing such unrest, when we finally were able to meet in person to play taiko again I decided to reach out to the community and provide Open Spirit Jams for anyone curious to try playing taiko. Perhaps due to all of the unrest, Diablo Taiko has been overwhelmed with even more performance requests from corporate events, private parties, community events, health and healing events and many local schools. Oftentimes, schools are holding multicultural festivals and it is great fun to meet, watch, and exchange stories and experiences with other performers. I've noticed a sense of calm strength and rootedness coming from many children – and adults too! – when they share cultural practices they grew up with. When they have tables representing their culture, they are eager and excited to share, and their faces light up. It's also wonderful to see that possibly due to more cultural exposure, children are just as happy to join in and learn and share cultural practices they didn't grow up with, and yet be just as excited to do it. That is one of the main reasons why audience participation is always a highlight for me whenever we perform. Seeing those faces light up when the cultural experience has been raised to another level is awesome to watch and be a part of.”
These cross-cultural partnerships and collaborations are important for us to connect with each other, no matter what ethnic background one comes from. It provides us with a common ground, not based upon our demographics or economics, but through creative cultural sharing. It touches and connects our spirits as human beings.”
We have a vibrant and growing community of artists and performers in the Concord area – can you share some examples of the connections you’ve made and how your taiko group inspires people?
“Oh yeah, Concord really brings it! It’s a very diverse community and I love that there’s so much good food, too. We’ve played at the Queen of all Saints Festival, and as an example there was one time that Diana (Diablo Taiko member), who speaks Japanese, jumped in to help break down the barriers with attendees. And also at our sister-city program in Oakland when she helped once again bridge that gap with people in the audience. The reactions to her speaking fluent Japanese are always awesome! We love seeing people from all over at the festivals – and we have such a strong Mexican and Filipino community here as well.
It's always fun to invite people who have never hit a taiko drum to try it for the first time. It’s great to see people light up and try something completely new that is artistic, but not necessarily pottery or painting. It’s all about creating connections and creating audience participation – even when they say, ‘I have no sense of rhythm’ and when we reply, ‘Do you have a heartbeat?’ It’s funny how that breaks down the barrier to participation pretty quickly. And we always strive to incorporate more than just drumming in our performances with dance and performative art. And we also connect with our community though traditional festivals, like Obon, where we honor those who came before us and everyone is invited to join in.”
“I've noticed a sense of calm strength and rootedness coming from many children – and adults too – when they share cultural practices they grew up with.”
“There are various different styles of taiko like religious and ritualistic, celebratory and purely performative. We aim to find the middle ground as a group to honor each individual member and their styles and influence. And we also touch on the health, esoteric, and spiritual aspects as well – like when we do spirit jams and incorporate moves that reach for the sky to draw energy from the stars. Or a recent practice when we went into warrior mode and hit everything as hard as we could. The more you put out there the more you get back. And you know that taiko was traditionally a men’s only form of expression, but that’s fortunately been turned around completely. We’re glad to have Jin on board because for a while there we’d always hear, ‘Are you a women’s only group?’ which is pretty funny because here we are, all of us standing five foot nothing, but out of our drums comes this very loud and incredible sound!”
(We then opened up the interview to the assembled members of Diablo Taiko who shared their perspectives and unique experiences with the group)
Jin: “My background is half-Japanese and I grew up in Japan. In the village where we lived there were provincial taiko performances that tied in with the various festivals. After we moved to the U.S. I experienced taiko again and it made me feel very nostalgic. I decided I wanted to get into it, so I started to look for places that gave taiko lessons. Diablo Taiko popped up and it was only 15 minutes from home. Until you experience taiko in person you just can’t imagine what you’re going to feel until you start hitting one of these big drums and you feel the pressure of the sound. It’s pretty amazing.”
Diana: “I was born and raised in Peru and we have a large amount of Japanese culture present in our country. After we moved to the U.S. I studied Japanese in high school and then some in college as well. And like Jin, I too began searching for taiko or some cultural event and I came to the Japanese American Festival last year and that’s how I met Arlene and came to join the group.”
Cherise: “My oldest kid was really into Japanese culture so we discovered the Saturday school at the Japanese American community and cultural center and we were invited to join in as a family. I always loved taiko drumming, but had only watched it and had never tried it so I joined the group. I really appreciate Arlene’s approach – she’s so welcoming regardless of your background or experience and all of us felt like were home and part of this community right from the start. I love that taiko requires a deep mindfulness when you’re drumming – you can’t be thinking of your shopping list or scanning social media. I sit on the board of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and this for me is such a great way to relieve stress.”
Sarah: “My mom was born in Japan, and so my experience is multigenerational and a bit different because she’s actually a part of the group, but unfortunately she couldn’t be with us today. Growing up here made it difficult to stay in touch with that part of myself, but we started going to Japanese festivals when I was very young and always was fascinated and found the experiences amazing. So my mom and I decided, ‘Let’s try some taiko!’. We reached out to Arlene thinking we’d never perform or anything like that but she said, ‘You guys should come out and hit some drums with us!’ At first I was intimidated – not by performing but more by what I was doing – but like Cherise said, Arlene has made this such a welcoming space. Getting to explore this side of me and my mom’s culture is very special. Opportunities like these give me a lot of hope for all the kids I see at our festivals who are growing up with a little something that not everyone gets to experience. This for me is the first time I’ve really done something that is so closely related to my family and my culture.”
Jamielle: “Like Jin, I experienced living in Japan as I was a military brat and I was very lucky to have grown up there and to be immersed in the culture. In Okinawa we have a different style of drumming but the sound is very similar. There are many different festivals throughout the year but the biggest one is Obon during which we celebrate our ancestors. I was very privileged to have been there a few years ago during Obon and the taiko was magical! There are three distinct sounds we get from hitting the drums – there’s the crack of lightning when we hit the side, the low rumbling of thunder when we hit soft and low, and the chaos of a storm when we hit hard and fast. For me taiko represents the challenges I face when dealing with my own storm and being in control of it. And Arlene is one of the people I trust because she’s always present even in moments that you may not realize. I’ve shared her leadership attributes with my kids and how she sees something in you that you yourself may not see.”
“For me taiko represents the challenges I face when dealing with my own storm and being in control of it”.
Marcy: “I was one of those kids that was never good at sports, so I did ballet for a few years but never really got into it, and then played in a collegiate group. I got into taiko because of my Japanese culture and started playing in a group in Los Angeles. When I got the job I have now and moved to the East Bay (which is home for me), Diablo Taiko was suggested to me the first week I moved here. So I checked it out and joined the group. It’s a great creative outlet and energy outlet because it’s such a great workout when you play hard for a long time with a lot of precision which is required. I have a great appreciation for Diablo Taiko and everyone in the group – we’re all in it together pursuing taiko and it’s fun!”
Michelle: “I’ve been with Diablo Taiko for thirteen years and I’m probably going to cry because it’s been such a large part of my life… I moved out from Chicago for my job. I had no community or friends and even though I make friends easily you know how it’s different when you have a group of regular friends and then you have an inner circle. I had African hand drumming experience and I tried to pick it back up, and also explored different types of drumming. Then a friend who teaches judo here at the center mentioned there was a taiko group, and I had just seen another taiko group in Berkeley that ignited something in me and I thought, ‘I want to drum again!’ So even though taiko is very different than African drumming – which has patterns and rhythms you cycle through – and that you play taiko with big sticks and it’s choreographed – I thought it would be limiting. But I found that I love performing for kids and seeing their faces light up and watch them engage with the music. And I love representing a country and its culture and a community and sharing this with people who have never experienced taiko before. Through Diablo Taiko I have found my voice which has in turn led to me expressing myself more fully and developing my leadership skills. It’s very freeing to just yell and hit the drums and let my energy flow!”
I’m in awe and very touched by all your stories – thank you all! Do you have any closing thoughts you’d like to share and perhaps some advice for artists and performers looking to get more involved in the community?
“I mentioned we have other people and groups connected with taiko come through when they’re in town, and here’s one more very interesting story,” Arlene shared. “A long time ago a group called Maui Taiko that we have played with before brought a performance called Great Grandfather’s Drum from Fukushima in Japan to Maui. Being an island community without much outside influence the performance retained its form over the years without change or evolution, so in a sense they preserved it. Meanwhile Taiko in Japan continued to change and modernize and here’s where we fast forward 50 years. Maui Taiko went to Fukushima and played Great Grandfather’s Drum and it transcended generations because most all of the young people and players hadn’t heard it before so it was a major ‘Wow!’ moment. Now Maui Taiko have gone back to Japan several times to teach it, which is a beautiful full circle moment of cultural sharing.
As for us and our group – we’re honored to be in high demand and asked to play at so many cultural events and festivals and can’t keep up! It’s truly special to see kids engage in real and meaningful ways when they start to play and it gives you hope as they build up their confidence. Especially certain ethnic groups and minorities who might feel oppressed or not have many opportunities like these. To help empower them.
The best way to experience taiko is to experience taiko! Through an Open Spirit Jam or lessons – we encourage people of all ages and walks of life to check it out. And the same applies to all types of music and performance art. Just get out there and do it and put your heart into it. So many in our group had no previous drumming experience and are now very adept. And everyone in the group is vital especially because everyone is unique and different. I want everyone to FEEL their own power and be themselves, because if you try to be someone else it’s not going to come off the same. Taiko is all about hitting big drums with big sticks as hard as you can and feeling it!”