COMING TO DENVER: Meet Jun

Q&A with Jun

How did you first get involved with taiko (Japanese drumming)?

My high school had a taiko club as a club activity. When I first entered school, there was a time when each club introduced its activities to recruit new students, and at the end of the introduction, the taiko club played a piece.

I was first exposed to the sound of taiko then, and got goosebumps and couldn’t get my eyes off of them.

And when I imagined myself playing on this team, my feelings were so fierce that I decided to join this club, and that was the beginning of my taiko story!

I spent the next three years immersed in taiko, and upon graduating from high school in 2011, I joined Kodo’s apprentice program, and became a junior member in 2013, and then an official member the following year, 2014.

What attracted you to joining Kodo versus other taiko groups?

There are so many great taiko groups in Japan. When I was considering my career path, I went to see performances by several groups who perform professionally.

It just so happened that Kodo was the one that moved and excited me the most when I saw them perform. It was a place where I could enjoy my life to the fullest.

As a high school student, I had a gut feeling. And now I am convinced that it was the right choice.

What has been the most memorable experience or performance for you?

The moment when music transcends barriers. I have visited many countries, but I don’t speak their languages well.

But at the end of every performance, at the moment of the curtain call, I can feel an atmosphere that is unmatched by anything else.

We are from different races, languages, and values, but when something permeates the audience with just the sound of our drums, I realize that there really are no barriers between us at all.

Where around the world have you performed or travelled to?

Kodo itself has now traveled to 53 countries and territories around the world. I have toured so far in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Austria, Croatia, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Canada, and the USA!

In Colorado, I have performed in Denver and Fort Collins!

Jun will be performing in Kodo One Earth Tour: TSUZUMI with Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble on February 18 and 19, 2023 at the Newman Center in Denver. Get tickets at: newmancenterpresents.com.

What do you enjoy most about teaching taiko to others?

Taiko has a very simple appeal in that anyone can make a loud sound by striking the drum. We have performances where we go to schools and perform in front of children, and we actually have

Photo by Takashi Okamoto

the children play the taiko too. In fact, there are many children in Japan who have never played taiko before.

At first, everyone is nervous and they all seem stiff, but as they beat the taiko, we can tell their minds and souls are gradually released.

I feel this is the power and appeal of taiko, where one can embrace being themselves to the fullest. When I teach experienced taiko players and Kodo apprentices, I try not to force my ideas and methods on them. Everyone is unique, so I want them to practice with as much freedom as possible.

What do you want people to know about Japanese culture and taiko drumming?

Traditions survive through innovation. As taiko drummers, we want to preserve this culture. Please come to the theater and listen to our sound first. We are confident that we will knock your socks off! We are all currently living in the middle of a very turbulent time. You may face many obstacles, and there are times when you may feel powerless and helpless to do anything.

For Kodo, taiko is our way of standing up for what we believe. Being mindful of our well being, we will continue to bring the power of music to the world and to you through taiko!