[4] His parents were also born in the United States (kibei); however, they were sent to Japan as young children where they adopted Japanese culture and traditions.

Hirabayashi became interested in the social sciences and worked in the Asian American studies program at San Jose State University.

In 1973, Reverend Abiko recruited Dean Miyakusu and Hirabayashi to begin a taiko program through their Buddhist temple.

[8] In October, just two months after visiting L.A. and Reverend Kodani, San Jose Taiko finished building their own drum set and creating their own songs and they had their first performance.

After about a year, however, the group decided to continue and strengthen their own unique identity and concluded their study with San Francisco Taiko.

Inspired by the nationwide civil rights movement, Roy saw the powerful sound of the drum as a means to combat the stereotype of Japanese Americans as quiet and meek.

It was during this time that San Jose Taiko had an opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of Ondekoza and established many lifelong friendships with the individual members.

California Artists Management worked on establishing SJT internationally and finding concert opportunities for the group.

He helped found 1st ACT's Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute which strives to train artistic leaders in the Silicon Valley area on how to engage their community and strengthen their business management skills.

The programs provides participants opportunities to network, develop fundraising strategies, and hone their problem solving skills.