北東太鼓道場

Jason began his taiko drumming career at the age of 18, however, music (specifically drumming) has been a part of his life since he was a child. His first introduction to Japanese taiko drumming occurred at the age of 15, while participating in a Soka Gakkai International youth festival at the Florida Nature Culture Center (FNCC). There he watched his very first performance of Japanese taiko and immediately fell in love. 

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Since that day, Jason has made it his mission to learn all that he can about taiko and Japanese culture. At the age of 18, Jason relocated to Orlando, FL and began studying under the tutelage of master taiko drummer, sensei Ishikura Takemasa. For the next 10 years, Jason studied, performed, and taught at Orlando Taiko Dojo and its subsidiary group, Matsuriza. 

 

Jason has also had the priviledge to visit Japan to continue his training in Japanese taiko; along with shamisen, koto, and shakuhachi. Today, Jason continues his studies with the esteemed artist and former Kodo member, Watanabe Kaoru, where he continues to improve his skills in taiko, as well as, fue (Japanese bamboo flute). 

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In 2013, Jason visited New Hampshire and became enamored with its small towns, natural beauty, and changing seasons. The following year, Jason made the decision to move and make New Hampshire his new home. It was soon discovered that there were no known groups or schools for Japanese taiko in the state. With this discovery, Jason decided to take his passion for Japanese culture, taiko drumming, and teaching to combine them into a new mission to share Japanese taiko with the communities of New Hampshire. As such, he started Hokuto Taiko Dojo, New Hampshire's first and only school for Japanese taiko drumming.