Rinban Ito's 40th Anniversary

Last Sunday, April 10, we performed along with our sister group Bombu Taiko, for Rinban Ito's 40th Anniversary celebration at the Japanese American National Museum.  Rinban Ito has been one of our biggest supporters over the years and we owe much to him and Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple for providing a home for us for so many years (14 to date)  It all started way back in 2002 when Higashi was one of the few temples remaining that didn't have a taiko group, and I was still in the early stages of developing TAIKOPROJECT.  In exchange for starting up taiko classes for kids and adults, Rinban Ito let us rehearse at Higashi, and over the years, the relationship formalized and we became more successful, allowing us to give back to the temple more.  We also became more engrained in the temple community and life--many of our Bombu members became very active at the temple, and every Obon, members of TP make about 15 gallons of teriyaki sauce for the Beef Box and Chicken Teriyaki Dinner booths!

Alan Miyatake

All in all, we are grateful to be a part of the Higashi family and look forward to many more years at the temple.  Thank you Rinban Ito and Janet for all your support, and congratulations on your 40 years of service to the temple! 

Alan Miyatake

- Bryan