In January 2008, with the support of the Taiwanese American Community Center, collegiate taiko alum Diana Wu organized an open workshop for the local San Diego community as a means to introduce and teach the basics of taiko, a form of Japanese drumming also growing in popularity in North America. Following soon after, committed and enthusiastic individuals came together to begin the first Taiwanese American sponsored taiko drumming group in Southern California, Naruwan Taiko.

The name of “Naruwan Taiko” stems from the same word “naruw’an (那魯灣)” from the indigenous Taiwanese Ami language meaning “Welcome [for] we are all in the same family.” Similarly, to live up to its name, Naruwan Taiko’s mission as a performance group is to welcome people of all ages and all levels to join (not just limited to the Taiwanese or Japanese community) and to learn the style of Japanese drumming. As a group, Naruwan Taiko hopes to encourage teamwork, creativity, physical activity, and confidence in expression for each individual. As a branch of the Taiwanese American Community Center, Naruwan Taiko will also assist in broadening and strengthening the presence of the TACC in the community and to encourage increased youth awareness and participation in group activities. Lastly, the group hopes to provide performances for both the San Diego area and other cities as well.

As a brand new group, Naruwan Taiko is currently still in the growth process and in the middle of obtaining resources. Most importantly, it is still looking for individuals who would like to participate and help build this new group. Naruwan Taiko holds free weekly Monday night classes from 7-9 PM at the Taiwanese American Community Center for all ages, and Wednesday night practices for the performance group also from 7-9 PM at the same location.

If you have an interest in learning how to play taiko in general or have interset in participating as a performance group member, please contact naruwantaiko@gmail.com for any questions you may have. NARUWAN! (WELCOME!), we hope to see you soon!