[1] Initially a youth program at the San Jose Betsuin, a member of the Buddhist Churches of America, the group has evolved into a leading arts group not only in the Japanese American community but also in Asian American arts while maintaining unwavering allegiance to Japantown, San Jose.
Hugely popular events, the dances soon provided them with funds to travel to Los Angeles and tap Rev.
[7] Many of the original members of the group were involved with San Jose State University's nascent Asian American Studies program.
During the 1970s and 1980s many members supported community action in San Jose Japantown that led to the establishment of San Jose Taiko as a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization but also to the senior center, Yu Ai Kai, and legal support for the community through the Asian Law Alliance.
As a national and international touring company, San Jose Taiko continues to serve as an ambassador far beyond the borders of their hometown.
In compositions, they drew—and draw—inspiration from the music that surrounds them such as Latin, R&B, jazz, soul, pop, rock, and hip hop.