Week 1: Reflections by Carley Okamura

Group: Orientalism in Taiko, facilitated by Joe Small and Tamiko Ooka
By Carley Okamura - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Once again I am reminded of how refreshing and reassuring it is to be in discussion groups with people of a similar mind on topics that we are passionate about. Feeling support from your group and hearing the intriguing contributions and theories from others motivates you and opens the themes even wider in your own mind. After one session I was really inspired by our community, because often we can wonder if we are the only ones who think about topics of taiko in culture and society, or we don’t feel comfortable discussing them. Simply having the space to discuss how taiko can impact our lives and identities can help to shape us as artists and practitioners. Thank you to organizers and facilitators who are giving their time and energy to allow this space.