Current Members
Hello!! My name is Sara and I am a second 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 junior 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
Naima Castellanos
Generation 21
Hey! My name is Kirin and I'm a fourth-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
Hana corkish
Generation 21
Hi there! I’m Yasmin and I’m in my fourth 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
I’m Eric 3rd year transfer math I never played taiko before. How about that
eric han
Generation 21
Hihi! My name is Mikki and I’m a fourth 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
derek kaino
Generation 21
Hi! I’m Jimin Kim, a second-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
khota kinoshita
Generation 21
Hi I'm Alyssa, a sophomore studying microbial 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! My name is Erin, and I'm a freshman studying physics. This is my first year in Raijin and my first year playing taiko, and I've been having so much fun with that so far! What drew me in is seeing the pure joy on people's faces when they play, and having so much fun watching their performances. Additionally, everyone is so nice and it's also really fun to hit big drums. Outside of taiko, I enjoy playing the piano and jamming with friends, eating chocolate, learning card tricks, taking naps, crocheting, playing pokemon, and did I mention eating chocolate? Anyways, hope whoever's reading this has a good day, bye :D
erin lam
Generation 21
Hello hello, I'm Molly and I am a fourth-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 fourth 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 junior 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 2nd 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!
kai mendoza
Generation 20
Sophia is a junior 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
i am mango.
brian su
Generation 21
Hi!! 😽😽😽 My name is Alan, I’m a fourth year transfer majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Although Cal Raijin is my first taiko group, I’ve always enjoyed playing instuments like my guitar and electronic drums! Aside from Taiko, I help lead the combat robotics club in Berkeley (think Battlebots… we competed in seasons 6 and 7!!). I also love cooking, volleyball, and hanging out with every single amazing person in this group! Hope to see you at one of our performances :D
Alan tran
Generation 21
Allan is a junior in his third 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