Our Roots

“So even without anything to hit on, when you resonate with each other by doing or talking, that’s TaikoIN’!!”

— Eri Uchida

What is Taiko?

 

  • Resonating internally and with others.

  • An exchange of energy.

  • Practicing life skills.

  • Learning about yourself.

  • Transcending boundaries (country, shape and material, language, gender)

  • A philosophy rooted in history and culture.

 
 

Our Philosophy

 

Taiko engagement can sprout feelings of connectedness. As facilitators, we strive to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment that allows all individuals to bloom into their authentic selves while sharing and grounding in the present moment.

 

Our 4 INtentions

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Taiko as a connection builder

A bridge between people, but also a way to connect with ourselves and reflect internally. We do not impose ourselves onto the drum by “playing” it, but we are working together with the drum to embody the rhythms and express emotions. Taiko as a medium.

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Taiko as a sensory experience

Vibrations, visual, touch, sound, voice. Mind, body, and heart together. Being in the moment and allowing it to be how it is. Each moment is a different experience.

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Taiko as a way to learn from each other

We are not teaching taiko, but we are using taiko to help understand each other, open our minds to new perspectives, and experience something together. The facilitator is always learning from the participants. 

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Taiko as a safe space

Holding space for individuals to be who they are. We don’t try to make them fit into our mold of expectations. Our job as a facilitator is to feel their energy and meet them where they’re at. Our hope is that the influence of taiko is something that provides comfort and regulation. 

 

Meet Our Founders

 
Pictured: Sydney Shiroyama (Left) and Eri Uchida (Right)

Pictured: Sydney Shiroyama (Left) and Eri Uchida (Right)

 

SYDNEY SHIROYAMA
(sydney@taiko-in.com)

Sydney Shiroyama, OTR/L began playing taiko at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple when she was 7 years old.  While studying psychology at UCLA, she joined the intercollegiate group Kyodo Taiko.  After college, Sydney moved to Japan for two years to teach English and played with a local community group on Awaji Island.  Inspired by special needs taiko groups she observed in Japan, Sydney explored the therapeutic potential of taiko drumming while obtaining her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University.  Sydney has designed and led taiko workshops for children and adults with disabilities, and for adolescents and adults seeking mental health services.  She now works with various taiko groups as a consulting occupational therapist. Sydney met Eri when she visited Sado Island, Japan and they shared ideas about taiko and how it can be a medium to build connections.  

ERI UCHIDA
(eri@taiko-in.com)

Eri was a performing member of Kodo for 10 years. In addition to performances, she also oversaw activities and training for incoming Kodo apprentices and facilitated several workshops for visitors from within and outside of Japan. After departing Kodo in 2019, she shared her ideas about taiko philosophy and workshop approach with Sydney Shiroyama (Occupational Therapist) and together created the concept of TaikoIN’ (https://www.taiko-in.com/). Through TaikoIN’, Eri plans to share the skills and philosophies she has learned from her taiko career with hopes of expanding the possibilities of taiko and its community.