Koshio Gumi
Koshio-Ryu Taiko-Do
Founder/Instructor
Ken Koshio
Born in Japan, Ken Koshio grew up immersed in traditional Japanese culture. He began learning music at a young age and was exposed to ceremonial drumming practiced in Shinto rituals. He started studying ji-daiko (indigenous drumming) with master drummer Itsuki Munakata in Hiroshima. Ken now performs and teaches taiko in both the U.S. and Japan under his unique style, Koshio-Ryu Taiko-Do. In 2014, he founded a taiko group based in Phoenix, Arizona, called 'Koshio Gumi.'
Assistant Director/Instructor
Miro Koshio
Miro Koshio, Taiko and Fue (bamboo flute) player was born in Cottonwood, AZ in 2003 and began Taiko drumming a very young age under his father, Ken Koshio, and his godmother, Esther Vandecar, founder of Fushicho Daiko. He spent 7 years living in Japan with his grandparents to learn the Japanese language and culture. While in Japan, Miro joined a local Taiko group and learned the traditional Kagura drumming style of Shinjiro Daiko. He now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and takes his rightful place in the Koshio Gumi family.
Assistant Instructors
John Paul Mendes
Shoko Williams
Keiko Smith
Masami Mogerman