Kristy “Aki” Oshiro (they/them) is a queer, trans and non-binary, 4th generation Japanese Okinawan-American professional taiko artist based in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area with over 30 years of experience. Founder and Artistic Director of the Tsubaki Ensemble, Queer Taiko, and SOKO Taiko, Creative Director of Placer Ume Taiko, and instructor of San Mateo Buddhist Temple Taiko. Aki also teaches taiko drumming classes in many cities from Nevada City to San Mateo and is available for group performances, touring, collaborations, school assemblies, residencies, workshops, private lessons, original compositions, corporate team building, rearrangement work, and artistic consultation. (Photo Credit: Stacy Lee)

Original Composition: Earth & sky

Original Composition: Ha!

Performance with wiz khalifa and nana ouyang

Upcoming Performances

Previous events

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself! More information about the artist can be found at www.kristyoshiro.com. Photo credit: Stacy Lee

Taikoza LIVE

Cottery College, Nevada, MO

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko with Queer Taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself!

QUEER TAIKO Queer Taiko, formed in 2013 by Kristy Aki Oshiro (they/them), is a multi-cultural and intergenerational group of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies committed to building community, representation and visibility through Japanese taiko drumming. Based in Oakland, the group meets at least twice a month on Friday nights, and is always accepting new members and drop ins. More information at www.meetup.com/queertaiko/.

Japanese Taiko Drumming w/ Kristy Aki Oshiro

San Bruno Library, 701 Angus Ave W, San Bruno, CA

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself! More information about the artist can be found at www.kristyoshiro.com.

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself! More information about the artist can be found at www.kristyoshiro.com.

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself! More information about the artist can be found at www.kristyoshiro.com.

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself! More information about the artist can be found at www.kristyoshiro.com.

Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You may even get a chance to play the drums yourself! More information about the artist can be found at www.kristyoshiro.com.

Upcoming Classes