Kaze is a community-focused organization with strong ties to the local Japanese-American community – but participation is not limited to the Japanese American youth.. In Kazedaiko, we strive to develop an appreciation of Japanese music and movement; to learn about Japanese and Japanese American culture, history and heritage; to help members develop and maintain a sense of identity, pride and self-confidence; to reach out to a broader community in support of diversity, tolerance and mutual education; to foster teamwork and unity of purpose.

“Kaze” (pronounced Kah-zeh) is the Japanese word for wind/breeze. The Japanese Kanji on the back of their uniforms is the character for Kaze. “Taiko” is the word for drum in Japanese, and like a lot of combination words, the “T” gets changed to a “D” sound; that’s why the group is called “Kaze Daiko”. The really big drum (on the tall stand) that the kids use is called an “Odaiko” (which roughly translates to “big drum”. The medium sized drum the kids use in every performance (which they make themselves from scratch) is called a Chudaiko. The smaller drums (that look like a snare drum) which keeps the base beat are called “shimedaiko”. Kaze performers are also studying “fue” (Japanese flute) and “shamisen” (a stringed instrument).