Hi everyone! 

My name is Alisha, I’m currently doing a bachelor degree studying criminology, whilst also working as a part-time medical receptionist! 

I joined Taikokoro in 2020 and the rest is history! Whilst I’ve explored many different styles of drumming, I haven’t had the chance to dive into the world of drums and will continue to seek this curiosity in the future. But at this point, Taiko has been my absolute passion since I was 11.

Joining a small taiko team in Cairns with my Mother, began a journey I was not expecting. From there we created our own team “Drum Mugendai” and formed a group eager to learn the taiko ways! As more teachers from Japan came to Australia, or as I went to Japan to take more classes, I fell more and more in love with my culture that is so close to my heart. 

The drumming is empowering, it demonstrates so much culture and history and I feel so honored to have discovered it. Over time, I got the amazing opportunity to join the “Super Taiko Junior” project led by Hiro Hayashida and take part in a festival tour in Hungary showcasing taiko. It was the best year and memory of my life!

I love Taiko because not only do you meet so many people that creates a family community, you also get to grow so much as a person through meeting your strengths and weaknesses. It’s always about the mindset! It’s a real challenge but it’s so exhilarating! Being half Japanese and being passionate about taiko has really made me connect to the person I am today, and I look forward to pushing the boundaries with Taiko and creating more amazing performances in the future!

1. Would you rather have unlimited sushi or tacos for life?
   Unlimited sushi for life – How can you not drool over fresh tuna and salmon!
2. What is your most embarrassing favourite song?
   Butter by BTS – BTS is my guilty pleasure.. Their music just hits the right vibe.
3. What is the dumbest way you’ve been injured
   Getting my flu vaccine in my left arm – My left arm is weaker in Miyake and I should have gotten it in my right arm, so I could work on my left more (to make it stronger). Not an injury but felt like one.