Current Members
Atsuko Yamashita
Atsuko joined Katari Taiko in 1992. She saw the Japanese taiko group Kodo perform for the first time in 1984, but never envisioned herself playing taiko. However, after she saw Katari Taiko perform at the Powell Street Festival in 1990, it made her think, “I want to do that!” She loves taiko because in addition to using your ears and eyes, you feel taiko with your whole body and soul. Her favourite piece to perform is Mountain Moving Day, but she also enjoys performing mask parts in various pieces because she can make the part her own. Atsuko owns a store that sells manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels) and anime-related items. In addition, she does film and television extra work, and some translation. She loves dragons and other mythical creatures.
Pey-Ming Liu
I was so inspired by a performance by the professional taiko group Tao in 2010, immediately after I started looking for taiko workshops. I found it with Katari Taiko and has been a member since 2011. I enjoy the energetic nature of taiko drumming: its rhythmic patterns stimulates the brain and the thunderous beats reverberates throughout your whole body and hits in the heart. I particularly like the support of my fellow taiko drummers and our communities, and would love to see what taiko can be to reach the communities beyond the ones we practice with.
Steve Kubota
My interest and enthusiasm for taiko stems from an amazing and tantalizing performance I watched by Tao, a tradition Japanese drumming and dance troupe. Their artistry, magic and energy lifted heart and soul. Tao’s performance provided all the inspiration I needed. I can still see, hear and feel that performance today. I will continue to be a student of taiko for the rest of my life.
Sachi Duvoisin Bulik
Sachi played taiko for many years while growing up in Japan and joined Katari Taiko after emigrating to Canada. Sachi has been a member of Katari Taiko since 2022. Sachi has performed at several events including but not excluding Powell Street Festival, The River Fest and UBC Japan Research Shinnenkai celebrations.
Carol Shoji
Carol first started playing taiko on the Sunshine Coast with her son taking lessons and learning from a former member of Katari Taiko. Carol joined Katari Taiko in 2023 and is our newest member. Carol performed for the first time with Katari Taiko at Powell Street Festival in August.
Reiko Anderson
Reiko first joined Katari Taiko in 2015. In 2019, Reiko has performed at Canada Day celebrations in Fort St. John and at several Powell Street Festivals (PSF)while a member of Katari Taiko. Reiko has been involved in the Japanese Canadian community as a volunteer and board member of PSF for many years.