PROGRAM MANAGER

Adam Weiner studied under and performed with the San Jose Taiko ensemble performance group for 25 years, touring the US and internationally, teaching workshops, and creating sets for performances, eventually leaving to become a solo artist and instructor.

Adam led workshops internally and for the public over the years within the company and in 2020, he launched a YouTube channel for Taiko (@TicTacTaiko), teaching techniques and learning all he can about content creation and video editing. Adam currently teaches workshops to groups around the world in-person, honing his teaching and presentation skills as well as learning how to effectively communicate and engage a variety of different audiences.

Taking advantage of his penchant for data and storytelling, he designed qualitative and quantitative surveys for 5 consecutive North American Taiko Conferences (NATC) to collect, compile, and analyze data about attendees experience, demographics, and other useful information. This information is still being used to improve future NATC for all involved.

FOUNDER

Arthur Mok is one of the founders of Taiko Taikai. He is also a taiko performer based in Los Angeles, CA.

He first experienced taiko during his time at California State University, Northridge with the university’s student group, Jishin Taiko. In 2014, Arthur helped found L.A. Miyake Kai, a Japanese taiko drumming group that specializes in a traditional style of Japanese drumming called Miyake Taiko that has existed since the early 1800s. In 2015, Arthur worked on an experimental taiko/metal production called Batare. He currently plays with Los Angeles Taiko Collective and Matoi no Kai LA.

Currently, Arthur hopes to continue supporting the taiko community by providing photo and video services with the goal of capturing and preserving the ongoing history of North American taiko.

DESIGN + MARKETING DIRECTOR

Emily Otoshi is Director of UCLA Kyodo Taiko, the nation’s first collegiate taiko drumming team founded in 1990. She is also a member of Matoi no Kai LA, a passionate taiko performance group under the direction of Shunichiro Kamiya.

Emily is a third year Cognitive Science undergrad with a minor in Asian American Studies, additionally leading as the founder and president of Adobe Creatives Club at UCLA, an Adobe Ambassador and Campus Leader, a Music Director of Hui O ‘Imiloa (UCLA’s Hawaii Club) and performing hula dancer, a KOKUYO ambassador, and a Product Designer for UCLA Residential Life.

EVENT COORDINATOR

Patrick Oiye is a versatile artist specializing in the Tsugaru shamisen (a Japanese banjo-like lute) and taiko.  He has studied shamisen with Hiroshi Nitta, founder of the celebrated Nitta Ryu Tsugaru Shamisen School in Sapporo, Japan and taiko with master artist Kenny Endo in Honolulu.  He has recorded shamisen for commercials and collaborated with professional dancers, actors and musicians of various talents such as shakuhachi (bamboo flute), percussion, and accordion.  Patrick has been in productions at the University of Hawaii playing guitar, taiko and dancing and has provided a live score of shamisen, taiko and shinobue (bamboo flute) for thousands of children at the Honolulu Theater for Youth.  Patrick has been a Taiko Center of the Pacific Performing Ensemble member since 2012.