About

Yamane Taiko was founded in 2022 by Jeff Onuma, first starting off as a recreation class at UCSD. Later, in 2024, with the start of their performing ensemble, the group was officially named “Yamane Taiko.”

Since the naming of the group, Yamane has taught approximately 200 individuals the art of taiko, given over 10 workshops, and composed and performed 9 of their own original songs.

The name Yamane translates to “mountain root,” which symbolizes one of the team’s core values: the beginner’s mindset. Envisioning no matter how far you go, you can always find yourself at the very start or “root” of a vast, ever-ascending mountain. Members of the group strive for an inspiring, exciting, yet grounded and intentional approach to taiko.