Hidaka Taiko

Seattle University’s Hidaka Taiko is dedicated to spreading Japanese culture, energy, and spirit through performing Taiko, the Japanese art of drumming. ‘Hidaka’ roughly translates to ‘redhawk’, Seattle U’s mascot. Hidaka was started in the fall of 2017 by Yukiyo Mitsuishi, a Sophomore Japanese exchange student from Sophia University with 3 years of Taiko experience and the motivation to build something great. This drive first led her to Tyrone Nakawatase of professional Seattle group Inochi Taiko, who was inspired enough to provide her with the drums needed to start her club. Shortly after, she crossed paths with incoming Freshmen Elias Chanteloup, a taiko player with over a decade of experience who shared her passion. Together, the two worked to build this club into a group of over 30 members who continue to perform to this day.