Peaceful Forest Update

Update with Takumi Kato and Peaceful Forest

Interviewed by Kayoko Munnerlyn, Pahala Hongwanji Taiko, HI

Date: January 25, 2025 via email

Editor’s Note:  

TCA was fortunate to be staging NATC-R 2023 on Hawaii Island at the same time that Peaceful Forest planned gto to be in-state for the Zenshin Daiko Annual Taiko Festival as part of their dream project to visit all 50 US states and share their love for taiko at 1000 performances.  

At NATC-R 2023, Takumi Kato and his family staged performance #237 at a special presentation and also shared the “Lion Dance of Gifu” as an intensive workshop on the second day of classes.

What follows is a follow up interview by Kayoko Munnerlyn of Pahala Hongwanji Taiko to check in on their progress as of January 2025.

Q1: What is the current status of your 50 state, 1,000 performances?

As of January 5th, 2025, We have done 28 states and 423 performances; California, Nevada, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nevada, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, and Arizona.

Q2: Are there any memorable performances so far?

In Washington State, we played for people from the Suquamish Tribe.  They looked so serious! No smiles, no clapping hands. But at the end of the performance, they gave a BIG applause to us!

In Wisconsin State, we performed at a lake side and many people came by to watch from their boats. They enjoyed our performance in such a beautiful setting.

In California State, we had an audience of ONE person at a performance - but he danced like crazy along with our music and definitely enjoyed the show!

Lastly, we celebrated our 400th performance in New York.  It was a tough negotiation to set up the performance, but it went smoothly without any issues and it made a memorable 400th performance.

Q3: Have you felt any difference in the audience’s reaction by state?

Not really. We could share a deep impression through our taiko anywhere. The most memorable moments are to share our taiko with the Native American people in Washington. We had performed in front of the Texas governor and the Japanese Consulate general and his wife.  We also performed at Syracuse University where former president Biden graduated from. We received a big applause from the audience.

Q4: What was the best food so far?

Houston, Texas was our favorite so far.  It was our first time to have crawfish, and it was great to experience local food!  Another memorable meal was in Hayden, Idaho - we harvested potatoes and cooked them with the local farmers. The potatoes were so fresh and we enjoyed them while chatting with the locals!

Q5: Is there anything TCA members can do to help?

We’re looking forward to visiting the following states - Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.

It would be very helpful to find opportunities for taiko performance or cultural exchange in any of the states above.  We do appreciate assistance with accommodations, meals and tips for gas!  Please reach out to us by email at takumi.ena@gmail.com.