Current Members
Hello!! My name is Sara and I am a first year from Santa Rosa (snoopytown!). I am double majoring in Japanese and Marine Science (favorite animal is a gentoo penguin), so you might catch me around the marina (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭ ⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ I love love love snoopy, painting nails, baking, snoopy, cafe hopping, snoopy, and taking unnecessary trips to daiso. After watching energetic taiko performances at festivals throughout my childhood, I really wanted to try it out for myself so I am so stoked to be a part of Raijin! Other than a few years of crashing out at piano lessons in elementary school, I have no musical background so if I can do it, you can too! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و Hope to see you at some of our performances~
Sara Ali
Generation 20
Hello hello! I'm Arine, a sophomore studying Mathematics. Coming to Cal, I swore off music after 13 years of orchestra and musical theater, but watching Raijin's vibrant performance energy and genuine joy on stage changed that instantly. Even with no taiko experience I felt compelled to join, and it has been one of my favorite decisions ever. From practices that grow my musical skills to silly hangouts that leave me dying with laughter, there's never a dull moment with Raijin and I am forever appreciative for them <3 Outside of taiko, you can find me speedrunning the NYT games, thrifting, ranting about Star Wars, karaoke-ing, making the best puns ever, and generally procrastinating.
Arine Alam
Generation 19
Hi! I'm Gio, a senior at Cal studying Environmental Earth Science with a minor in Conservation and Resource Studies. My interests include Pokemon, music, and learning not how to crash out from every inconvenience. Besides being at practice or at school, find me hunting for some discount donuts or zoning out. Go Gen 17 and Cal Taiko, we're almost there ;)
Gio Bernal
Generation 17
Hey! My name is Kirin and I'm a third-year transfer studying Physics. Ever since I was a kid, I knew that I wanted to join Cal Raijin. Okay - that's not really true, but I remember seeing Cal Raijin's 9th anniversary showcase in 2014 and Raijin has been in the back of my mind since. I started to play Taiko when I was 6 with San Francisco Taiko Dojo, and since growing up in this community, I've always been excited about collegiate taiko. Although I've traveled to play with different Taiko groups in Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York (shoutout Yamatai!), I truly think that I've found my place here at Cal Raijin, even if I have to beat the furry allegations. Outside of Taiko, you'll probably find me at the rock climbing gym, working on my problem sets at the physics reading room, or somberly walking through campus while listening to ambient music. If not, I'll be at Ted's house. P.S. Ask me about anything Taiko related and I'll give you the most unfiltered takes you've ever heard.
Kirin Chanteloup
Generation 20
Halle is a fourth-year studying Comparative Literature and Education. She was born and raised in Southern California (626 baby!) Taiko has since become a big part of her life and a connector to her Japanese-American roots. She is excited to continue learning and having fun with Cal Raijin! When she's not playing, she's probably perusing the aisles of a bookstore, watching (and rewatching) Studio Ghibli movies, or having an existential crisis.
Halle Fukawa
Generation 17
Hi there! I’m Yasmin and I’m in my third year studying MCB Molecular Therapeutics. I’ve always loved deep, bass sounds and had watched a taiko performance when I was younger, so when a friend told me about taiko lessons at a nearby farm (shoutout Tanaka Farms!), I was so excited to join and have been playing ever since :D Outside of taiko, I love drawing, food, Ghibli, matcha, vlogging, and keeping my bonsai called Cha Cha thriving!
Yasmin Fukushima
Generation 18
Hihi! My name is Mikki and I’m a third year from Manhattan Beach, California (SoCal Supremacy let’s go!!! ๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) Playing taiko is a total dream come true because I’ve always wanted to try after being exposed to it at Japanese summer festivals! Now it’s my happy place because well… big drum hit ooga booga big sound rawr + good for mental and physical health<333 (no taiko isn’t killing my knee, it’s great♪) Before playing taiko, I played western classical music for 17 years, mainly on violin and piano but tinkling on some other instruments as well! Outside of taiko I really love going to concerts, trying different teas on rainy days, museum-hopping, and overall just trying new tings. Thanks for getting to know me and I hope we meet in person (maybe at our next performance;)
Mikki Horiguchi
Generation 18
Hello! My name is Adrien Jones and I am a senior studying Art History. I joined Raijin when I transferred to Cal, so while I’ve only spent 2 years with Raijin they have been the absolute highlight of my time here. I was new to Taiko when I joined, but I have come to adore both the music and the wonderful people that are a part of this team. Outside of taiko, I play too many video games, build lego, and cook!
Adrien Jones
Generation 19
Hi, I'm Kenzo and I'm a grad student studying Bioprocess Engineering. Outside of taiko, I love brewing coffee in the form of pourovers or latte and beer in the form of pilsners.
Kenzo Khoo
Generation 18
Hi! I’m Jimin Kim, a first-year student at UC Berkeley studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. I come from a background in indoor percussion, where I spent my high school years playing the marching bass drum which I loved. Taiko is a new adventure for me, and I’m already in awe of the rich culture and strong sense of community that surrounds it. I’m excited to dive in and grow both as a performer and as a part of this incredible group. Outside of school and music, I love doodling, hitting the gym, traveling the world, walking my dogs, and of course, nothing beats a good laugh — especially a solid knee-slapper.
Jimin Kim
Generation 20
Hi I'm Alyssa, a freshman studying molecular environmental biology? I like exploring tidepools and places with lots of trees and then taking lots of photos of those places. My main aspiration in life is to start a matcha cat cafe called Meowtcha. One of my many talents is grrrrrrrrrr
Alyssa Kline
Generation 20
Hi! I’m Danielle, a 4th year studying Data Science and Sustainable Environmental Design. When I’m not an academic gremlin, I enjoy adding to my endless collection of unfinished sketches, filming spontaneous trips, and losing to wuwa RNG. Gen 17 will always have my heart :)
Danielle Louie
Generation 17
Hello hello, I'm Molly and I am a third-year studying Art History. All love in the world to Cal Raijin, playing taiko has been one of the highlights of my college experience and I couldn't ask for a better team! Outside of Raijin, you can find me ransacking Fun Park for blind boxes, going on aimless walks with the roomies, or chefin' up the best banana matcha latte you'll ever taste at Binge Coffee House ;)
Molly Maseba
Generation 18
Hello everyone! My name is Zach, and I am a third year History major. When I was little, I played taiko for a few years. I don't think I realized this until college, but deep down I always wanted to return to taiko and feel the excitement of drumming again. Joining Raijin is probably the best decision I made in college, and I encourage any Cal student interested to try out for us! In my free time you can find me running in the Berkeley neighborhood, snacking on fig bars, procrastinating, or watching a basketball or soccer game.
Zachary Matsumoto
Generation 19
Hi! I'm Jackson Matsumura (He/Him), a sophomore studying Applied Mathematics. I enjoy cooking, trading card games, and making bad jokes. Catch me making horrible screeching noises while trying to learn fue.
Jackson Matsumura
Generation 19
Hello! I’m Kai! I’m a 1st year student studying Psychology. I’ve been from the Bay Area my whole life, and I joined Raijin after watching one of their performances at GBO! I had absolutely no taiko experience prior to Raijin, with my only exposure being Taiko no Tatsujin on the Nintendo Switch (in my peak I was clearing 9 star songs). I love Raijin I love hitting that thang mwahaha Outside of hitting that thang, I love karaoke, overanalyzing movies, cafe-hopping, blasting music in my headphones, or walking around the BART Station…
Kai Mendoza
Generation 20
Hello! My name is Sayla Miyoshi and I am a senior studying Nutritional Science at UC Berkeley with a minor in Health & Wellness. This year marks my 4th and final year with Cal Raijin Taiko, which has been such a fruitful part of my college years! I have been playing taiko for the past 14 years and have grown my passion through this wonderful team, I hope to continue to learn more about the art and history of Taiko Drumming.
sayla miyoshi
Generation 17
Hi everyone:) I'm Haruka and I'm a third-year studying sociology. Playing taiko has been my dream since I was 10, and Raijin is my first-ever taiko experience. While hitting the drums itself is fun, what I truly love is this team- every member of the team, and the warm atmosphere that comes with it:) I feel so lucky and proud to be part of Raijin! Outside of taiko, I enjoy playing golf, long walks, cafe-hopping, chatting with friends, and DOGS!
Haruka Nagahara
Generation 20
Sophia is a sophomore studying nutritional metabolic biology with an interest in psychology. In her free time she likes to bake and play rugby. Her love for taiko began at Berkeley with the music and continues because of the people she meets!
Sophia Sauter
Generation 19
Hello one, hello all, I’m Adi and I love jamming on any and all objects, to the point that I quit the piano in middle school and picked up the drums. Ever since then, my unbridled love for percussion (and baroque music, somehow) led to me choose between a few music clubs here at UCB and after trying a few things in my first year, I found myself here in Cal Raijin, my home away from home.
Aditya Tripathi
Generation 18
Allan is a sophomore in his second year at Raijin. He's thrilled to continue his Taiko journey at Cal and is especially excited to celebrate Raijin's 20th anniversary! Outside of Taiko, Allan dances with AFX and enjoys playing volleyball with friends. He’s looking forward to another fun and memorable year ahead!
Allan Tsay
Generation 19
Kohei is a fourth year studying Sociology and City planning. Growing up near San Jose Japantown, the culture and immersion in taiko led him to take part in the Junior Taiko program with San Jose Taiko. Following his 7 years of prior experience, he joined Cal Taiko in hopes of continuing his journey and finding more involvement within a familiar community space. Now in his final year, he is continuing to reflect and appreciate all the people he has met and all he has learned from as a member of Raijin. Outside of taiko, Kohei has been dabbling in a few interests he hopes to continue exploring. With some new sparks, he hopes to get more into different kinds of music creation - electronic production has been at the forefront - and hit the waves by learning to surf more.
Kohei Tsuchitani
Generation 17
Hello, I'm Drew Watanabe and I'm a first year studying mechanical engineering! Growing up with close ties to the Sacramento Buddhist Church, I was introduced to taiko through the Obon and Bazaar festivals. I played with Sacramento Taiko Dan and love being able to play in Raijin. Raijin has been the highlight of my college experience but outside of taiko you can find me working on the Berkeley Formula Racing car or going climbing.
Drew Watanabe
Generation 20
Hi! I’m Yurina, an exchange student from Japan studying political science for a year. Before coming to Berkeley, I had never played Taiko and hadn’t planned to start in the U.S. either. But when I saw Raijin’s performance during GBO, I was so impressed—I realized just how cool Japanese drumming was and knew I had to join. I’m so glad I became a member of Raijin, and now I’m a huge fan! Aside from Taiko, I love playing the piano—I’ve been playing for 15 years. I also enjoy tennis and squash! I’m really sad to be returning to Japan, but I hope to continue playing Taiko even after I go back.
Yurina Yamada
Generation 20
Hi everyone! My name is Rachelle and I'm a sophomore from Socal studying Molecular and Cellular Biology (IMM)! I absolutely love love love taiko and Raijin~ taiko has been such a creative outlet for me to explore my identity and learn how to project my energy outwardly to express myself in the ways I hope to. I feel such joy sharing in the positive energy from our performances with my fellow raijiners and our audiences! Outside of Raijin, you may spot me in random cafes around campus, romanticizing life to music while taking scenic pictures, stressing in MLK with friends, and likely holding a matcha drink.
Rachelle Yang
Generation 19
4th year undergraduate architecture. Grew up in SoCal SGV (626). I'm bad at introductions or any public speech in general but I like to yap.
Leo Zhang
Generation 17