My story
Something here about me, and my story.
I never thought of myself as an artist. I had regular jobs.
When I saw taiko, I remembered that when I was 6 years old I wanted to be a dancer. When I played taiko, I gave that 6 year old space to dream again. When I teach taiko, I see people reaching back into their childhoods and speak to themselves as adults from that place. Taiko can unlock things long-forgotten.
Time is a strange thing. In many ways, the past is the past and hasn't much to offer. Some times though, it is good to turn back to see how far you've come, and remember where it is you came from.
Timeline
2008
I discover taiko in 2008 at a workshop run by Kagemusha Taiko in Exeter, Devon.
I quickly sign up for more workshops and am invited to join Tano Taiko, their community group.
2009
I join Kagemusha Taiko performance group, and play my first theatre show.
2010
I begin to work for Kagemusha Taiko, in the office, helping to teach groups & do school & corporate workshops.
2011
San Jose Taiko visit the UK for the UK Taiko Festival, I meet PJ Hirabayashi.
2011
I perform at NATC (North American Taiko Conference) in California, and experience workshops with international taiko players - Shoji Kameda & Yuta Kato encourage me to travel, to go to Japan.
2012
I receive the Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship & embark on a journey to Japan, Hawaii, California & New York to follow the path of taiko from Japan to UK. I meet taiko groups & learn with masters of taiko. My aim is to return to UK and contribute my to the UK taiko community, making the pulse of UK taiko stronger. I start a blog "Taiko Journey" as part of my studies.
2013
I organise the first TaikoPeace workshop in the UK. Pear Urushima & PJ Hirabayshi come to lead.
2013
I discover I am unwell, and am asked to leave Kagemusha Taiko. A year of uncertainty & recovery.
2014
I travel to Palestine with Pear Urushima & PJ Hirabayashi to work with teenagers living under occupation. We make drums, run workshops & perform at BetLaHem Live festi
2014
I travel to Palestine with Pear Urushima & PJ Hirabayashi to work with teenagers living under occupation. We make drums, run workshops & perform at BetLaHem Live festival.
2015
I graduate from the SSE (School for Social Entrepreneurs) and work hard as Taiko Journey bringing taiko workshops & performances to schools, organisations & the public.
2015
I meet Adam Benjamin and begin teaching at Plymouth University on the BA dance & music. Performances at The House theatre, Plymouth.
2019
I attend a TaikoPeace retreat in California, at Furusato & meet Dan & Chris Kubo and Sydney Shiroyama, and collectively activate TaikoPeace with PJ Hirabayashi.
2020
TaikoPeace BE-Hive is formed, and Pear Urushima curates TaikoPeace.love with the TaikoPeace co-hearts.
2025
Taiko Journey moves to Oxen Park Farm to work closely with On the Hill C.I.C.
Taiko Journey Collective becomes Happi Beats, and begins a community outreach programme led by group members.
About me
My name is Hannah, also known as Hannah-Jasmine, or HJ.
I have been working with people and drums for over 15 years. In the movement, voice and rhythm of taiko drums we can explore our relationships - with land, place, with community, and with ourselves. I have experienced and witnessed powerful change in people, working through these drums. And the great thing is - it's so easy. There they are, waiting for us to be
“HJ integrates a mindful approach to her teaching. She offers beauty and genuine connection that extends beyond the studio and into daily life. She is passionate about sharing taiko for personal and social transformation—to open our hearts and minds.” PJ Hirabayashi, TaikoPeace activator/founder, San Jose Taiko founding member
