UNIT SOUZOU - NEW BEGINNINGS

After 20 years of performing professionally, I, alongside my amazingly talented husband, Toru Watanabe, are proud to announce our new artistic company called UNIT SOUZOU.  'Souzou' has three meanings: 'creation' (創造) 'imagination' (想像) or 'noisy' (騒々), alluding to a force by which new ideas are born and take shape in the world.

Based in Portland, Oregon, this new artistic home will be dedicated to building creative and imaginative works for the art form of taiko.  In addition to producing groundbreaking performances, we will continue our commitment to teach taiko within schools, collaborate with the local community, and offer public taiko and dance classes.  

After some sudden life transitions, we need your help to get established. 

• TAIKO FOR OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS – We need 15 hira-daiko to teach taiko in schools empowering young students through the drum.  We are proud teaching artists within the Right Brain Initiative roster where we collaborate with teachers and school communities to integrate taiko lessons with classroom curriculum.  Currently 3 North American taiko makers, Kato Taiko, Studio Endo, and Kouchi Creations, are busily constructing these drums for us.  Additionally our friend, Adam Hoornstra, is making the taiko stands.  Your contribution would pay for these much-needed instruments.    
•  CONTRACTOR FEES – We have received generous support from ASANO TAIKO US, who furnished us with a set of performance drums so that we can get started right away.  Unfortunately the drums do not fit through our doorway!  Your donation will help us with the unexpected contractor fees to widen our entry to get our drums inside.

Your support at any amount is appreciated.  Thank you for celebrating our new artistic path.

All donations will go directly toward the purchase of 15 hira-daiko and stands for the education residency program and contractor fees to widen the entry to get UNIT SOUZOU’s performance drums through the door.