Fushicho Daiko Dojo

08/02/2024

Fushicho Daiko members are all back from Japan and over our jet lag! We will be open for First Friday, tomorrow, August 2, 6:30 - 9:00 pm. 925 Grand Avenue, Phoenix 85007.
Come out to watch a rehearsal and try the drums yourself!
Try Taiko Class: Saturday, 3:30-5:00, $20
register: www.fushichodaiko.com/registration

07/25/2024

Japan departure,
Japan 2024 has come to an end, well, almost: waiting at LAX for our flight to Phoenix.
A group photo as we leave Anna and Logan for their further adventures. A goodbye to Sarah as she catches a separate flight. Sabochan went hiking with Kyle to Mt. Fuji. No departure from a Tokyo airport is complete without KitKats in new and unusual flavors. Dojo classes start up again on Thursday, July 25!
Such wonderful experiences and opportunities! Thank you all for joining us!

07/05/2024

Fushicho Daiko performs “Kawamoto Matsuri”

07/05/2024

Day 2 of Japan Tour 2024!
A tour to Matsuyama and Yuzuki Castles with guided tours by wonderful docents. Then a quick prep and performance in the new Dogo Onsen Annex performing space. Then a too quick trip to Dogo Onsen as we wash away a full day of sun and humidity. Followed by the always amazing Taiko parties set up by the Matsuyama Taiko groups. A full and bountiful day indeed.

【NHK】今月１１日に道後温泉本館の全館で営業が再開されるのを記念して、飛鳥乃湯泉の前の広場で祝いの餅まきが行われました。 明治２７年に改築されてか…

07/02/2024

Japan Tour 2024 starts tomorrow!
Along with visiting, studying and performing in Matsuyama, Nomura, and Hiroshima, we will visit the lovely little village of Kawamoto in Shimane prefecture. We will finish our adventures at Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Nagoya castle and Sumo matches and a great few days in Tokyo, seeing the sights and stocking up on Taiko supplies.
Meet Alli!
i started playing taiko in 2006, in Bowling Green Ohio with Hayabusa Taiko. I later joined the community group Kaze No Daichi taiko, before relocating to phoenix and joining Fushicho. I also spent a year in Hawaii studying taiko with Kenny Endo as a trainee in the Taiko Center for the Pacific through their fellowship program. (Highly recommended!!)

I am most looking forward to learning taiko in the environment and culture where it was created, and working with groups that most American taiko players don't get to interact with and learn from. Fushicho plays many unique pieces that came from these communities, and I can't wait to see them played by people who group up with them as their traditions, and learn techniques from them. I'm also excited to explore parts of japan that I didn't get to see on my only other trip there, especially areas away from Tokyo such as Hiroshima and Kawamoto, and see how taiko and life is different in those areas.

On another note, I'm excited to search for my husband's family name, Kitani, as we will have the chance to explore some of the areas where his family descended from. As it's uncommon name overall, but especially in the United States, it will be a fun scavenger hunt to find signs of the Kitani's while exploring the area.

07/01/2024

One day before Japan 2024 Tour!
We begin in Matsuyama with Hiroyuki Tauchi.
3 packed days of rehearsals, performances, sightseeing and parties! We move on to Nomura with Iwao Wake and Izumi Ichinomiya and more wonderful memories to be made!
Hiroshima will be the second week, with solemn remembrances and vibrant new memories made.
Hiroshima Taiko Hozonkai was our founder, Esther Vandecar's first Dojo. Munakata Sensei was welcoming and inspiring. We are thrilled to continue to learn from him and the other senior members of the dojo.
Meet Ariana Alexander, one of our students excited to travel to Japan:
I’m Ariana Alexander and I’ve been playing taiko for 7 years. I’m currently a member of the Saboten community group and an apprentice with the Fushicho Daiko group. My love of Japanese culture, like many, started with anime, which is also what inspired me to become an animator. It’s been a dream of mine to travel to Japan for many years and I’m ecstatic that it just so happens to coincide with my love of taiko! Because of this, I feel that I am where I’m supposed to be, as there was a very specific chain of events that has led me to this point. I’m looking forward to all the opportunities to play together with our hosts and I’m especially excited to see the preparations for Gion Matsuri festivities!
It will be my first time traveling to a foreign country, so of course, I’m nervous that something will go horribly wrong. However, I’ve also been studying Japanese for months now in preparation, and I am optimistic that I can at least hold a conversation with a small child. I can’t wait to go on adventures both large and small and do all the mundane things that locals would probably not find interesting, like going to the supermarket, the convenience store, or the café, buying something from a vending machine, or riding a train. I’m excited to eat in a big communal setting. And don’t get me started on the food.
As a taiko player and nerd in general, I’m most interested to see what our visit to Hiroshima will bring, not only for its cultural and historical significance, but also in terms of seeing where Fushicho Daiko started, with Esther and Munakata Sensei. It’s one thing to hear stories about it. It’s another to be there. As a fellow stubborn redhead, I feel I owe it to Esther to learn as much as I can about the humble beginnings of the dojo that she founded and which ultimately inspired me to pick up a pair of bachi.

07/01/2024

ahhh! 2 days until Japan 2024! Fushicho Daiko Dojo is counting down the minutes until that 4,000 hour long flight!
Meet Lucas Kraft:
Exciting news! Soon, I'll be heading to Japan to dive deeper into my passion for taiko drums!
I've been playing taiko for 5.5 amazing years, and I'm thrilled to announce that I perform with Saboten and have recently joined Phoenix Taiko Kai. It's a dream come true to be part of such incredible groups!
What I'm most eager about? Exploring the origins of our music in the beautiful towns and places across Japan. And of course, I can't wait to experience my first sumo match – talk about cultural immersion!
On a foodie note, I'm on a mission to find the tastiest ramen and the most delicious salmon nigiri. Got any recommendations? Send them my way!
Stay tuned as I share my adventures and discoveries along the way! Arigatou gozaimasu!

06/30/2024

3 days until Japan Tour 2024.
We will be visiting the tiny town of Nomura, where our founder Esther Vandecar taught English and learned the two songs the town practices and performs. We are looking forward to playing with them again and spending time with them.
A frequent visitor to Japan, but a first time visit to Nomura, meet Kenji Leung:

Hello, my name is Kenji Leung and I have been playing for around 8 years. I play with the Kemushi and the Fushicho Daiko apprentice group. I am looking forward to being able to express my emotions through taiko. In Japan, I look forward to eating the food and learning new Taiko songs!

06/28/2024

5 days until Japan Tour 2024!
Fushicho Daiko Dojo will begin our adventure in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. We have Taiko rehearsals and performances scheduled, along with sightseeing, food and friends to visit!
Making the trip that much more memorable are the wonderful students taking this trip!

Meet Megumi Leung:

Hi my name is Megumi and I have been playing taiko for 9 years! I played in the Kemushi children's group at Fushicho Daiko Dojo and am continuing my taiko journey at UC San Diego with Asayake Taiko! I am looking forward to seeing all the different styles of playing and being able to perform with Fushicho Daiko people again! I am looking forward to shopping and eating good food. I’m hoping to learn more about the people I’m traveling with. This trip will bring us closer on a fun personal level!! I’m excited!

06/26/2024

Six days until Japan Tour 2024, Fushicho Daiko Dojo is packing and planning and so excited!
Meet Bradley Kemp!
My name is Bradley Kemp and I will have played Taiko for 12 years as of July 14th of this year (2024). Within the FD Dojo, I am an active member of both Saboten and Fushicho Daiko groups. I am also a performing member of the I-10 Taiko Project group and was a co-founder and director of Sun Devil Taiko at ASU.

Experiences In Japan I’m Looking Forward To:
1. Getting hands on instruction from Munakata Sensei from Hiroshima Taiko Hozonkai
2. Opportunities to play alongside and learn from a variety of different Taiko dojos
3. Visiting Miyajima Island, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Nagoya castle
4. Attending a Sumo Basho in Nagoya

What I hope to learn/gain from this trip:
Cultural immersion through learning best practices and local customs, learning new songs from other Taiko dojos, and gaining the experience and insight into how to plan and organize for future trips to Japan.

06/26/2024

Countdown, 7 days until Japan!
Fushicho Daiko Dojo is excited to bring a great group of students to continue the important work of cultural exchange, friendship and Taiko learning between Phoenix and Japan. With 40 years of exchanges between Fushicho Daiko, Hiroyuki Tauchi and Matsuyama Taiko Groups, Hiroshima Taiko Hozonkai and more, this will be a trip to build connections for the next generation.
Meet Sarah Joseph!

"Ohayo gozaimasu! I'm Sarah Joseph and I have been playing taiko for 5 years, four of which have been with my all-time favourite group, Saboten. The taiko experience I am most looking forward to on this trip is getting to study with the dojos whose repertoire we play, a close second would be performing for schoolchildren! I cannot wait to experience an onsen and traipse around Japan with my best friends. Mata ne!"

06/24/2024

8 days until Fushicho Daiko Dojo Japan Tour 2024! Introducing Samantha Katherine Stegemeyer!

My name is Samantha “Sami” Stegemeyer and have been playing taiko for about 8 years. I currently play with Aozora and Saboten at Fushicho Daiko Dojo in Arizona and am a former member of L.A. Taiko Ichiza, Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Nishi Betsuin) in Los Angeles, California.

I am looking forward to working with many groups, including working with Oedo Sukeroku again. I am in awe of Mizuho Zako, her fluid and elegant movements within the drum space and her beautiful piece “Izayoi-Michiyuki” (Moon Song); I look forward to observing and learning from her. I am eager to put the teachings of Takuan Sōhō - “Mushin no Shin” - into practice and look forward to walking observantly and mindfully through the bamboo forest, taking in the fresh air and natural scenery. I also anticipate my first onsen visit to be a humbling and relaxing one. I hope to gain insight into an expansive culture filled with innovation - both ancient and modern. Japan has an abundance of beautiful temples, shrines and gardens. Values of respect, familial love and discipline are actively on display especially regarding animals and the environment. I am aware of the efforts Japan puts into cleanliness, waste management and safety. Japan also focuses on the efficiency of its public transportation; I look forward to traveling on the Shinkansen train. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my excitement for the incredible food! Lastly, Japan has a culture of religious harmony. There is a term - “Ikigai”. This means “alive worth”, what gives your life value, meaning and purpose. Since Zen Buddhism is a heavy influence, there is a simplicity and serenity to everyday life - wabi sabi - which describes the overall sense of beauty in Japan.

06/22/2024

So this happened this morning.
Make Music Day, June 21 was a hit!

06/22/2024

11 days until Fushicho Daiko Japan Tour 2024.
First time visitor to Japan: Viola Reimers
Hi! My name is Viola Reimers and I’ve been playing Taiko for 7 years. I play with Kemushi and Phoenix Taiko Kai. I’m looking forward to learning from so many incredible Sensei. I can’t wait to see all the incredible scenery and try all the delicious food. I hope to gain a better understanding of Taiko as a whole and continue to improve my skills.

06/22/2024

Fushicho Daiko dojo will be open for Make music Day today, Friday, 5:30 - 8:00 pm, 925 Grand Avenue, 85007

06/20/2024

12 days until Japan Tour 2024 with Fushicho Daiko!
Meet Rebecca!
My name is Rebecca Reimers, and I play with Phoenix Taiko Kai. I learned how to play taiko in Kawamoto, a small town in Shimane prefecture in Japan. I have been playing taiko for almost 22 years! I am looking forward to returning to my Japanese home to play with my first teacher, Masahiro Iwano and other Gogawa Daiko members. I am also looking forward seeing my taiko friends I met in 2017 from Hiroshima, Nomura, and Matsuyama. Finally, I am most excited to taking my 16-year-old daughter back to Japan with me for her very first trip. I am so proud of her as a taiko player, and I hope we both will learn more repertoire, improve our skills, and bond with our fellow taiko players from Fushicho Daiko dojo.

06/19/2024

13 days until Japan! Allow us to introduce you to the members of Japan Tour 2024!
Eileen Morgan is the director, both executive and artistic, of Fushicho Daiko. She has traveled to Japan 9 times and continues to study with the dojos in Japan that made Fushicho Daiko possible! She is looking forward to again working with all the amazing Taiko artists in Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Nomura-cho and Kawamoto. Fushicho Daiko Dojo was founded in 1992, by Esther Vandecar after her studies in Japan with Munakata Sensei of Hiroshima Taiko Hozonkai and the Matsuyama City Taiko organization, directed by Hiroyuki Tauchi. These kind gentlemen, along with the Taiko students and performers Esther met along the way helped to shape and encourage Esther to continue Taiko and to pursue this artform and career in the United States.
Though, sadly, Esther cannot join us this year, we will joyfully continue the work of fostering the relationships she so happily created. This is year 40 of these amazing connections!
Each time Eileen travels to Japan, she brings a select group of students to discover the joys of Japan and Taiko in Japan. In addition to Taiko and cultural immersion, students continue the lifelong pursuit of patience, teamwork, dialog, acceptance and the joy of making meaningful connections with one another. Eileen is overjoyed with the group of students going, they are hardworking, enthusiastic and ready for adventure! Stay tuned!

06/18/2024

14 days until 15 members of Fushicho Daiko travel to Japan! We will be visiting our parent dojos in Matsuyama and Hiroshima, as well as our wonderful connections in Nomura-cho/Seiyo-cho and Kawamoto. What trip to Japan is complete without Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and all the adventures of Tokyo?
Stay tuned as we share our amazing adventures!

06/18/2024

Friday, June 21 is Make Music Phoenix Day, where we celebrate all the amazing music that is happening in Phoenix!
Fushicho Daiko Dojoo opens its doors for a captivating evening of rhythm, energy, and community. Fushicho Daiko is dedicated to sharing the art of Taiko drumming, fostering teamwork, cooperation, and cultural appreciation.

Feel the pulse as you watch the Saboten Taiko class rehearse their challenging and dynamic repertoire. From intricate rhythms to powerful choreography, experience the magic of Taiko up close and personal. Make Music Phoenix, ,
5:30 - 8:00 pm, 925 Grand Avenue, 85007

06/14/2024

06/07/2024

First Friday open dojo! 925 Grand Ave.
Today, June 7, 6:30-9:00 pm
Come hit some Taiko drums with us!

06/04/2024

Try Taiko this Saturday, June 8, 3:30 - 5:00 pm.
Come hit a drum and see what all the fun is about!
$20 well spent!
register here: www.fushichodaiko.com/registration
925 Grand Avenue, Phoenix 85021

05/24/2024

Come out to the Peoria Main Library at 3 pm today for a rousing performance of over 14 different instruments of Asia! 8463 West Monroe St, Peoria, 85345