Aloha and Welcome to Kona Daifukuji Taiko Kona Daifukuji Taiko is a youth group formed in 1988 by Ryuji Tamiya of the Daifukuji Soto Mission of Kona, Hawaii. The original members of the group were members of the Daifukuji Soto Mission youth group and Sunday school. There are currently seventeen members from multi-ethnic backgrounds. The members' first experience with drumming was at a taiko workshop conducted by Faye Komagata of Hawaii Matsuri Taiko in November 1988. With continued support from Faye and her group, the Kona Daifukuji Taiko group performed for the first time during Daifukuji's Bon Festival in 1989. Through the years, the members have been blessed to receive instruction from many Taiko masters and artists from Hawaii, the Mainland and Japan. Kona Daifukuji Taiko performs throughout the year at various community events on the Big Island such as the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Aloha Week Festivals, and participates in many temple events. Ryuji Tamiya taught that to fully enjoy taiko, each member must have a strong sense of commitment and should participate in taiko fully using both body and mind. As with any form of art, the "Path of Taiko" should be used wisely as our "teacher" to make our lives more meaningful. Through the drumming of the taiko, the performers share their positive energy with all who apprecieate this dynamic art. They also perform with the intention to offer courage, hope, peace and joy to all living beings on this planet. Rev. Tamiya has since returned to Japan but his spirit is very much a part of Kona Daifukuji Taiko.

updated 06-09-12