Portland Taiko was created in early 1994 by Ann Ishimaru[1] and Zack Semke, both charter members of Stanford Taiko,[2] Kyle Kajihiro, Valerie Otani, Kenji Spielman, and June Arima Schumann.

Fujii has adapted and evolved many aspects of Portland Taiko, and has furthered the Community Performance Outreach Project,[5] started originally by Ann Ishimaru and Zack Semke.

In the early years of the group, Portland Taiko reached over 20,000 students with their assembly performances and school workshops.

From the performance training class, students can then become trainees and finally become members of the community group.

The group continued to perform for activism events and at local schools for assemblies and educational outreach.

[10] Portland Taiko also teaches workshops at colleges across the United States[11][12] and in cities across the country.

[13][14] Ann Ishimaru and Zack Semke were the initial Artistic Directors of Portland Taiko.