EXPERIENCES
INSTRUCTORS
Sammy (Masami Miyazaki)
Sammy hails from Kumamoto in Western Kyushu. She became a member of Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble in 2001 and has traveled throughout Japan and around the world as a performer, instructor, and director for Kodo’s concert tours, school performances, and taiko workshops. People all over the world love Sammy—her bright, comical character and beaming smile easily transcend language and cultural barriers, giving everyone she meets a cheerful boost. Sammy has been teaching at Sado Island Taiko Centre since 2014. She is always devising new uplifting workshops for people of all ages to enjoy.
Yone (Tomohiro Yonetani)
Yone hails from Shizuoka Prefecture in Central Honshu. He began playing taiko with his local taiko team when he was in his first year of elementary school. In 2015, Yone moved to Sado Island to study taiko, flute, song, and dance for two years as a Kodo apprentice. In 2017, after graduating from Kodo Apprentice Centre, he joined the team at Sado Island Taiko Centre as an instructor. Yone’s friendly personality makes him popular with visitors of all ages. He is currently developing taiko workshops that incorporate one of his specialties: the bamboo flute.
Mika (Mika Sano)
Mika hails from Aichi Prefecture in Central Honshu. She began playing taiko with her local taiko team when she was in her fifth year of elementary school. In 2018, Mika moved to Sado Island to study taiko, flute, song, and dance for two years as a Kodo apprentice. In 2020, after graduating from Kodo Apprentice Centre, she joined the team at Sado Island Taiko Centre as an instructor. Mika’s cheerful voice and beaming smile are her captivating trademarks. She plays taiko with a serious sincerity that you can feel resonating straight out from the drum, spreading cheer with each beat.
