Emily at the Dojo (Part 2)

Information on how to sign up for a Tawoo class if you're visiting Japan temporarily!

*I am a native English speaker speaking about my experiences. Sometimes I use strange words and phrases. If you are reading this through AI translation, it may not translate correctly. Please ask if you have any questions.*

*If you click on the photos directly on the substack website, you can see full photos.* 

A few performance pics with Tawoo Dojo

Finally, how to sign up for a class! If you haven’t already, please read Part 3 (yes, out of order), as it gives more depth as to why it took so long for me to write this overly simplified version of how to attend a lesson led by Kaoly Asano or her staff. Also, here’s Part 1.

I think to have the expectation of just paying in order to hit a drum would be an unfortunate approach to joining a Tawoo lesson. Practice isn’t precious, but for some, it’s sacred. It’s a place where the members have found comfort to be fully themselves, to learn, to cry, and to deepen their connections with each other in a city where it’s easy to feel alone. The songs have different meaning ranging from saying good bye to the deceased to pure joy. Some members travel from Tochigi and Nagoya for a week night practice, which is the equivalent of traveling between states in America, because this specific style is specific. They couldn’t find a replacement that matches Tawoo for them, so they’re willing to commit to the distance.

Please think about this note and come with an open mind. No matter what though, everyone will welcome you with open arms and their classic Tawoo smile because they’re truly happy to share it with you.

However, isn’t this the mindset we should always have for any class? No, I’m not lecturing, I’m really just talking to myself here.

Read the detailed information below if you’re visiting Tokyo temporarily, and would like to experience Kaoly and Tawoo’s teachings. After is a classic Emily story corner.

To sign up: 

Go to their website.

http://tokyo.tawoo.tv/?page_id=49

You will later receive an email confirmation. Tawoo does not practice at the same place every time.

A staff member will explain the fee system, but as of 2024, it is usually between 5000 - 6000 yen. They are typically on weekday evenings.  

A note, this option does not exist amongst all wadaiko and geinoh groups. Particularly, Kaoly san wants taiko to be accessible and enjoyed by anyone who is interested.

Everyone pays per class, but depending on your situation, you might consider becoming a dojo member and pay for the dojo membership entrance fee or 参加費 or “sankahi.”  Unlike many groups outside of Japan, this fee is very common amongst all wadaiko and geinoh groups. 

Also consider an individual private or group lessons with Kaoly san. Sometimes with class drop ins, you miss out on detailed explanations. Classes range from new people to people that have been playing for 26 years, so sometimes an intimate private or group lesson may be more suitable.

Preparing for the class:

Bring water, comfortable clothes, and something comfortable for your feet. Most of the classes are in a gym, so it’s common to wear gym shoes or tabi. Barefoot is fine too unless otherwise noted.

They use a specific bachi that you can rent for the first time. If you continue, it's recommended to purchase your own.

Maple, the common bachi used in North America, is only for the nagadaiko (commonly referred to as chudaiko or nagado). Oak, also common in North America, is not used and can damage the taiko. 

Time:

A staff member will email you all of the details. I’d recommend coming about 15 minutes early so you don’t feel rushed, and stay at the end to watch the breakdown. If you’re on a tight schedule, just come when you can 🙂

Classes are usually about 3 hours, including breaks and breakdown, but may differ depending on the class.

The class:

Each class has a different theme, usually based around one of Tawoo’s pieces (kyoku) or experience level. Kyoku based classes will have people from all levels of experience there. They do an excellent job at accommodating everyone, so you’ll always have a staff member to follow.

There is no taiso or dynamic stretching. If you are someone who requires such a warmup, please give yourself time before class starts (which is prompt) to do your routine.

End of class:

When I first came to the dojo, this was the most chaotic part of practice. It felt like everyone knew what to do, and they move fast because clean up time is limited. You want to help, but there’s a specific way to do everything, with good reason of course.

I’d recommend just watching unless someone asks for your help or gives you a task. Again, everything has its own place, and it’s easier for the members to do their thing. Truly, it’s quite a spectacular breakdown.

If you need to leave, just say goodbye and head on out. You don’t need to stay if you’re a visitor.

Pro tip for experienced to non experienced alike: 

Take Ai chan’s “Tanoshii Taiko” class. Although this is often targeted towards beginners, I participate monthly and still learn something new every time. She breaks down Kaoly’s theories in a very tangible manner for someone new to this style. 

Of course, prioritize taking a lesson from Kaoly if you’re only here for one day, but don’t overlook this valuable course Ai chan has to offer. 

Other hot tips!

• Follow Kaoly san, Gocoo, and Tawoo on facebook and instagram. That’s the best way to find out about performances and Tanoshii taiko.

• Tawoo’s pronunciation is “Tao.” They are NOT Drum Tao, which is a different, exciting touring group that comes from Kyushu.

• Besides other groups that were influenced by Kaoly san like Usagi, there really isn’t another style of taiko like this. Be open minded and understand it might be a different approach than what you were originally taught.

• During the class, watch how Kaoly moves from the top of her head to the bottom of each foot. Don’t worry about sticking. Examine her from different angles and planes of motions, and when she’s not playing, look at the staff and sempai members. What may seem like excessive movement like a hair flip serves a purpose of one of her core fundamentals. It ain’t only for show, folks!

• Have fun! Smile! It’s okay to be goofy and dance if the mood calls for it

Story corner:

Unrelated to anything above, did you know that THUNDERSNOW is a word?! It happened the other month in Tokyo.

Snow to Rice field

Another quick story, when I first came to Japan, I opted to help in a Tawoo and Gocoo member’s rice field and it was my worst nightmare came true, as your girl has a ferocious fear of frogs. HOWEVER, did you know working in a rice field in upper 40/ low 50 deg F temperature is an ideal time for Emily? You’d think with a last name like Harada (literally translates to rice field) I wouldn’t black out from fear during harvest time. Talk about hard work (I barely made a dent in the multiple fields), and gratitude for food. Also, working in the field reminded how important proper form is. Thanks to taiko and tanden (the center of the body), my back felt fine.

In case you missed it

Kaoly san and Eri Uchida, who is also a big influence for my taiko life here, will be coming to America in August 2024 for a workshop tour through KaDON!

The movie Finding HERBeat and the actual full concert are also now streaming and available to watch. Watch and rate babyyy. So if you can’t come to Japan, there’s still some very exciting things you can access.

Click here for links to:

The Movie

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.a45c617c-69db-4b3e-9710-c2b2b5d7f48a?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

The Concert

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/herbeat

Oh and Food:

Some of the share house mates made incredible homemade Chinese dumplings. Also pictured are some adorable manju that I thought were tanuki or Japanese raccoons. They’re dragons. DUH, Emily. Literally, tis the year! These delectable treats were part of a chakai or informal Japanese tea ceremony hosted by one of the Hibikus Omiyage students/ friend! :)

Final notes, I’ll be heading to Ushibuka, Kumamoto for Haiya Bushi Matsuri in April. Have you been to this before, or have you been to Kumamoto? Let your girl know!

There will be one final post to this series, so keep your eyes peeled. Thanks y’all, and stay groovy.