Karen’s Work

For Schools 

With over twenty years of experience as a youth worker and teaching artist, I facilitate engaging taiko (Japanese drumming) workshops in schools aimed to enhance students’ sense of belonging and self-expression. Together, we explore the rich cultural history of taiko and experience firsthand the power of playing taiko. My approach fosters personal expression and empowerment in a supportive environment, allowing students to embrace their individuality and connect with each other about their unique experiences. I offer both one-time, 50-minute sessions and multi-day residencies tailored to your school’s specific needs.

For Taiko Groups

Trained taiko players, ensembles and taiko communities can select from a variety of workshops that meet your group’s needs and goals. All workshops are designed to build connections and empower players. Workshop themes include but are not limited to the following:

• taiko and community-building

• games and drills-based sharing

• dreaming big as artists

• bringing more of yourself into your performance

• cultural organizing and social practice, using taiko for social change.

For Community Groups

Join me in an invigorating workshop that invites community groups to explore the power of body, sound, and movement through taiko drumming and personal reflection. This somatic experience is designed to cultivate connections, foster empowerment, and celebrate the joy of self-expression for people of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. In my workshops, participants explore ways to be powerful together in an inclusive, affirmative, and supportive space. You’ll be introduced to taiko’s rich history of activism in North America, connecting your experiences to broader narratives of resilience and healing. 

Whether you're looking to deepen connections within your team or empower your entire organization—be it a nonprofit, community group, or congregation, etc.—these workshops can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss a workshop for your group!

Whether performing solo or with my group, my performances will bring vibrant, inspiring energy to your event. With my signature style, performances blend bold and lively songs and visuals with audience participation and storytelling. 

We love to bring our presence and message of empowerment to community gatherings, school events, marches or parades, celebratory events, conferences, etc.

I’m eager to collaborate with those who share a passion for illuminating the hidden histories of places, retelling truthful narratives, and creative place-tending. My focus is on empowering and amplifying unheard voices and fostering inclusive, diverse communities through collaborative projects that allow us to express our authentic selves.

I am particularly enthusiastic about developing leadership within communities. My interests span community engagement, design, art-making, and healing practices. I’m also committed to supporting artist communities—exploring how to cultivate environments that sustain artists and support their development through resource allocation and policy. Whether you're in the idea phase, seeking co-creators, or have a developed project but open to new contributions, I’d love to connect. 

Connection is the heart of Karen’s practice. Karen does take breaks from behind the taiko to share and speak from her personal story, her artistic practice and journey as a cultural organizer. Her talks are best suited for intimate spaces, in which she can engage attendees. She gives talks on a range of topics that include but are not limited to the following:

• Community-building: How art and culture serve as the connective tissue in our lives.

• Somatic leadership: The importance of listening to our bodies as a form of leadership.

• Art as activism: The arts as a vehicle for social and racial justice, and how creative practices can amplify unheard voices.

• Being More Ourselves: Exploring identity through the lens of art and culture, helping us embrace our histories and identities to show up authentically in all spaces.

• Empowerment: Personal transformation, breaking through internal barriers, building relationships, and organizing community. 

“We were youths in the 60’s and 70’s struggling to find our identity as Japanese Americans amidst the barriers of racism, and other boiling human rights issues. Taiko gave us a tool to be loud. We used taiko in the spirit of being activists for our own liberation.”

— PJ and Roy Hirabayashi, North American taiko pioneers, NEA Heritage Fellows, Emeritus Artistic Director and Co-Founder of San Jose Taiko

I am excited to introduce the KASA Fellowship: a practice in cultural organizing as a vehicle to honor and pass on the legacy of art and activism that was modeled for me. This program invites experienced taiko players in the Northeast to deepen their understanding and engagement with cultural organizing in their own practices. 

Participants can expect to explore:

• The principles of cultural organizing

• The historical context and social justice roots of taiko in North America

• Contemporary issues within the taiko community and beyond

The fellowship will feature a series of talks and discussions, alongside hands-on opportunities to apply your knowledge in organizing and performance. The program will culminate in projects like the Taiko and the Parks Festival in 2025, where you can showcase your learning and contribute to the broader community.

If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact me. This program is still in development and we are still seeking sponsors or funders – please reach out if you are interested in supporting this program!