“The Race for Free Spirit: A 50-year Uprising” was PJ and Roy’s celebration of playing taiko together for 50 years. It also told the story of how taiko became their destiny, voice, and purpose, reflecting on the ancestral values that sustained them on a path they could never have imagined. Their heartfelt appeal to the greater taiko and arts community is to save what’s at stake—the Japanese American history, the history of taiko, and the FREEdom of expression that reflects the unwavering spirit of those who came before them. The Race for Free Spirit is celebrated by expressing gratitude for what taiko drumming has meant to them—a beautiful and compelling means of mobilizing, harmonizing, and unifying the human spirit.
EVENT ARCHIVE
The Race for Free Spirit: A 50-Year Uprising
The Free Spirit Project culminated in a live show spotlighting PJ & Roy Hirabayashi’s humble path of taiko, social activism, and community building through stories, song, and taiko. This celebration took place Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at the School of Arts & Culture Theatre
With deep gratitude, PJ & Roy thank everyone who made this event possible.
Dear friends,
Thank you for supporting The Race for Free Spirit: A 50-year Uprising, which was a wonderfully joyful reflection of our five decades of playing taiko as well as a look forward with our hopes and dreams for the future.
We are grateful to everyone who came along our journey into the backstory of how taiko became our destiny, our voice, and our purpose, reflecting on the values and principles that sustained us on a path that we could never imagine.
Sharing our personal discoveries of how taiko levels the playing field, awakens our social conditioning for the greater good, informs our greater potential, and reveals what’s possible was truly a magical experience. We believe these are ingredients for social change, amplified by the power of taiko.
Our heartfelt call to action to the taiko community is to save what’s at stake—the FREEdom of expression that reflects the unwavering spirit of those who came before us and to celebrate by expressing our gratitude to what taiko drumming has meant to us—a beautiful and compelling means to mobilize, harmonize, and unify the human spirit.
Thank you again for joining us for this very special live, commemorative event in our home town of San Jose, California. We very much look forward to continuing a journey together in unity with the taiko drum, the instrument that allowed us to be loud, be heard, and be who we are.
With deep gratitude,
PJ & Roy
Thank you, sponsors.
Your support means the world.
School of Arts & Culture
Catalyzing creativity and empowering community in the heart of San Jose, California
A special place for this special event.
PJ & Roy are honored to collaborate with the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza who are the lead sponsors for this commemorative show. With a shared vision, the Hirabayashi’s and SOAC are dedicated to fulfilling a common mission to seed and grow diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through creative cultural expression.
Together, they are wholeheartedly committed to creating an unforgettable celebratory moment in time.
San Jose Taiko
Celebrating their 50th year as a performing ensemble in 2023.
PJ & Roy extend their heartfelt best wishes for San Jose Taiko’s 50-year anniversary.
The race isn’t over.
What you can do to keep the free spirit of taiko thriving for the next generation.
Take a stand against Asian American Pacific Islander racism, visit Stop AAPI Hate
Reflect on the values instilled by the Issei generation and take the time to remember those who came before you with respect and gratitude
Give to the School of Arts and Culture
Make a donation to Japantown’s senior center, Yu Ai Kai
Support San Jose Taiko performing arts company
Learn more about TaikoPeace, PJ’s movement to emanate peace through taiko
Invite PJ & Roy to speak at a community gathering on arts activism, roots of taiko, leadership and performing arts