Inochi Taiko profile picture

Inochi Taiko

New Video Added!

About Me

In the fall of 2003, Garrett Nakawatase, Tyrone Nakawatase and Max Honkawa reunited to form Inochi Taiko. The name Inochi, meaning “life force”, has a personal meaning to these founding members of the group since Taiko has been an integral part of each one of their lives with each member beginning taiko at a young age. While growing up, taiko has been the life force or “spirit” that has helped to develop member’s leadership skills, artistic expression and other personal aspects of their lives. The members of Inochi Taiko strive to not only play at a high caliber to entertain audiences, but also try to push each other creatively to form a uniquely distinct sound.
In 2007 Inochi Taiko expanded and welcomed 3 new members, Jason Kopec, Kristi Hirata and Lauren Takisaki. Since joining the group, all members have made their debut in performance!
In 2008 we're happy to announce 2 new members to the group. Emily Lau who will be playing with with the group for a limited time and Chiaki Sakuma formerly of Yushin Daiko. Congradulations!
Along with performances, Inochi Taiko now offers workshops! Please send us a message if you're interested in bringing Inochi Taiko to your town!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Band Website: inochitaiko.com
Band Members: Max Honkawa, Garrett Nakawatase, Tyrone Nakawatase, Jason Kopec, Kristi Hirata and Lauren Takisaki
Influences: Scot Kamimae, One World Taiko, Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, Russel Baba, On Ensamble, San Jose Taiko, Mugen Taiko, Shidara
Sounds Like: Exhilarating drum beats with a taste of other percussions and Japanese Bamboo Flute.
Type of Label: None

My Blog

New Members YouTube Debut!

Please check out the new video of the song Saiki san no Tameni featuring the YouTube debut of our new members!
Posted by Inochi Taiko on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:23:00 PST

Now Offering Workshops!

Not only does Inochi Taiko do performances but now we offer workshops!  Learn basic techniques and drills that the group uses to stay sharp or teaching their own new members.  &nbs...
Posted by Inochi Taiko on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:43:00 PST

Inochi Taiko in concert?

The initial steps have been set in motion for an Inochi Taiko formal concert.  New songs are currently being written and a special guest group has been tentatively asked to join th...
Posted by Inochi Taiko on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:07:00 PST

Kaizou = 1000+ hits on youtube.com

Congradulations Max! Your song Kaizou has reached over 1000 views yesterday!...
Posted by Inochi Taiko on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 01:29:00 PST

Russell Baba is my hero!

Russell Baba is my hero... he is too cool.  We recently say him perform at the RTG 2006 in Portland OR.  We got to see him play the sax, the "mayan flute" as Garrett calls it, and this keybo...
Posted by Inochi Taiko on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 05:08:00 PST

Video's finally uploaded!

I'm so happy that I'm finally able to upload the videos from our last gig.  Hopefully all of our friends who know us but have never been able to see us perform will finally get a chance to see us...
Posted by Inochi Taiko on Wed, 03 May 2006 08:46:00 PST