Uminari Taiko is a non-profit, community-focused drumming collective based in Victoria, British Columbia. We perform regularly in Victoria and around Vancouver Island at schools, festivals and private functions and also share the joy of taiko drumming through classes and workshops.
Uminari can be translated to “roaring sea”—the sound of waves crashing onto rocky shores and the silences in between. It captures the essence of taiko and the windy, wave-swept conditions which are common on parts of our island.
Our History
In 2002, six like-minded individuals (Brad Lewis, Marcin Sawicki, Jacob Derksen, Margie Parikh, Valerie Watanabe and Deb Shepherd) founded Uminari Taiko, with a vision of sharing and promoting the art of Japanese taiko drumming through instruction and performances.
The formative years consisted on practising on old car tires covered with duct tape, progressing to one-sided drums fashioned from sections of sewer pipe. Eventually, thanks to sufficient funding from sponsoring organizations, Uminari Taiko acquired authentic equipment.
Supporters
Since its inception, Uminari Taiko has received significant support from the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society. Support has also come from the Victoria Foundation, the National Association of Japanese Canadians, and the Vancouver Island community.
Our Members
Arlyn
In 2017 Arlyn discovered an energetic taiko performance at a Tokyo street fair and decided taiko would be her next passion. She signed up for workshops and classes with Uminari Taiko right away. Her previous musical history combined with a 20+ years of training in Japanese martial arts makes taiko a perfect fit. She enjoys learning new songs and rhythms with a unique ensemble.
Candy
Candy first encountered taiko at a friend’s wedding and was instantly captivated by its powerful sound and synchronized movements. Before joining Uminari Taiko, She studied taiko in both Calgary and the Yukon, deepening a passion for the art form. With a background in martial arts, she appreciates how taiko blends rhythm, physicality, and spirit—creating a dynamic expression that feels both musical and martial.
Eri
Eri was born and raised in Japan, where she grew up immersed in traditional summer festivals and cultural celebrations. After moving to Canada, she found herself missing the vibrancy of Japanese culture more deeply. In Victoria, she discovered Uminari Taiko, whose members encouraged her to join. Today, she is proud to be part of the group and is passionate about sharing and celebrating the richness of Japanese culture through taiko.
Esme
Esme’s first introduction to taiko was in Vancouver, BC in the 1980s at a March for Peace. Moved by the power of the drums, Esme took the opportunity to workshop with Vancouver-based Katari Taiko in 2000 and became a performing member in 2001, while also participating in other taiko workshops and community performances. In 2004, Esme moved to Edmonton where she continued to perform as an apprentice with Kita No Taiko for the next two years. She now enjoys playing Uminari Taiko’s repertoire in and around Victoria, BC.
Gayle
Gayle attended her first taiko workshop when Uminari Taiko was being founded and has been playing to her heart’s delight ever since. Approaching taiko as a musical conversation, she especially enjoys performing and sharing taiko with new taiko students.
Gayle helps to build Uminari Taiko’s ki and kumi with a positive approach to learning, mentoring and supporting the group in practice and in play.
Hiroko
Born and raised in Japan, Hiroko grew up surrounded by the lively sounds of taiko at summer festivals—it was always something that sparked joy and curiosity in her. That spark turned into action in July 2022, when she saw Uminari perform in Broadmead. Seeing Japanese culture celebrated so passionately in Canada inspired her to pick up the bachi and join in. Since then, taiko has become a big part of her life. She has come a long way from her first hits, and now she loves not just the rhythm and power, but also the teamwork and excitement that come with every performance.
Ken
Ken has always been keen on activities which involve hitting and throwing things, hence his captivation to certain sports and percussion instruments. He played the side drum in a drum and bugle band in Army Cadets – then he was the lead drummer in the Royal Military College Pipe Band. After retirement to Victoria he was made aware of the existence of Uminari Taiko, and he became an apprentice in 2009.
Teruyo
Japan-born Teruyo grew up with the sound of taiko. In 1992 she encountered Kumi Daiko then Tokyo’s Oedo Sukeroku Daiko before performing on The Ship for World Youth at sea as well as during official visits at ports of call. In 1997 she joined Montreal’s Arashi Daiko after a fortunate meeting with its leader Mikio. After moving to Victoria Teruyo joined Uminari Taiko in 2003 as a most experienced player.
Today, Teruyo’s taiko life is influenced by attending regional taiko gatherings and annual North American Taiko Conferences.
Susan
Susan took taiko classes from the founding members in the early days. She remembers Marcin teaching the basics on garbage cans and sewer pipe drums and she had so much fun she knew she wanted to continue. Since then she’s been inspired by many American and Japanese taiko players at the annual conferences attended by Uminari Taiko and she incorporates that learning into the group’s repertoire and skill set.
Tsugio
Tsugio has been involved with Uminari Taiko since its inception helping to organize the Katari Workshop that led to the formation of UT. He joined UT in 2004 and has become an avid taiko devotee. He enjoys sharing taiko through performing and teaching and attending taiko conferences. Taiko not only gives him creative satisfaction but also helps him connect with his Japanese cultural roots.
Uminari Taiko 