We are affiliated with the Twin Cities Buddhist Association and follow Taiko traditions of that origin. We have been guided and influenced by Reverend Ron Miyamura and the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) Taiko group of Chicago. We have also been greatly inspired by Kinnara Taiko of Los Angeles, Soh Daiko of New York, Ondekoza of Japan and San Jose Taiko. Of course, as Taiko grows so do our sources of Taiko inspiration. We've grown and learned and mixed it all together with our personal styles and the many musical styles of our American culture to become what we are today.

In 1984, six pioneers of Twin Cities Taiko formed Twin Cities Bukkyo Kai Taiko with help from Reverend Ron Miyamura of MBT. The group emphasized openness, sharing and participation in all aspects of Taiko, including the creation of costumes worn, instruments played and pieces performed, and that emphasis has remained the cornerstone of our Taiko form, style and spirit. This is similar to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism's emphasis on living life deeply rather than seeking perfection in life.

The original members of Twin Cities Bukkyo Kai Taiko were Ben, Mike, Lynn, Dean, Phyllis and Todd. Without them, we never would have become what we are today.

In 1990, after numerous relocations and the addition of several family members, Twin Cities Bukkyo Kai Taiko reformed and soon after changed its name to Kogen Taiko. "Kogen" is from a Buddhist Sutra, which means, "Light emanating from Buddha's Face."

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 Last Updated on 11/11/2000

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