We recently connected with Yukako Ogawa and have shared our conversation below.
Yukako , appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I started this journey at age of 35 with no musical background. Because of my age, I had to spend more time and energy.
If I started it at much younger age, it would be very easy for me.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I was born and raised in Japan. I came to the US all by myself at age of 18 with no English.
Unlike western languages such as Spanish and French, Asian languages are very different and learning English is much harder for us than western language speakers.
I graduated from university in Los Angeles, CA. I worked for publishing industry, news media, and American Airlines as a flight attendant.
In 2006, my friend dragged me to a free Japanese drumming lesson.
That’s it.
It changed my life.
It was the first time I felt a strong connection to my heritage and so proud of it.
I was promoted to the professional performing team next year.
However, because of my age and lack of musical background, it was not easy
at all.
I never forget I was dragged out of the stage in the middle of the stage.
This incident became strong fuel of my journey as a Japanese taiko drummer.
I also started to learn Japanese bamboo flute soon after I was promoted.
I am one of very few 1st generation Japanese members in this team and have privileges to go to Japan oft to take care of my parents.
By taking advantage of the situation, I have been taking lessons every time I go to Japan.
Now I’m the member of the group connecting the taiko drumming industry in Japan and Fushu Daiko.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Social media
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want South Florida community to be aware that Fushu Daiko is the only group in South Florida which can introduce real Japanese taiko drumming and traditional music to the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fushudaiko.org
- Instagram: Fushu Daiko
- Facebook: Fushu Daiko