Taiko drummers are the heroes of San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival grand parade in the same way that a high school marching band that came by bus from Iowa is the hero of the Rose Parade. On Sunday, this was recognized when Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, who founded the San Jose Taiko Group 53 years ago, were riding in a convertible Mustang at the front of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Parade.
“This is our first time ever,” said Roy, 75, who served with his wife as community marshals for the parade, “and we get the privilege to ride in a car. It’s a great honor.”
There were 53 entrants in the parade, including half a dozen taiko drum corps. Most prominent among them is the 40-member strong San Francisco Taiko Dojo, which merits its own decorated float and a martial arts troupe following behind. But they were far back in the pack, behind the proud six-drummer contingent from San Jose Taiko, pounding and walking behind entry No. 6, the founder of their group.
“The car is above our pay grade,” said drummer Trish Kume. “Taiko is the heartbeat of the Cherry Blossom Festival both here and in Japan, and we bring the spirit of the Japanese people here in America.”…