Mr.Minoru Yokoyama

‘TambaSasayama Taiko Kojo-gumi’ debuted in June 1992 and performed on stage at the TambaSasayama Food Festival that year. The performance caught the attention of Mr. Kennedy, a member of the Walla Walla Friendship Committee, who was visiting TambaSasayama to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the sister city affiliation, and a passionate exchange of ideas for a Kojo-gumi concert in Walla Walla began. Three years later, in September 1995, the Kojo-gumi's Walla Walla concert tour really came true. The first concert was held at Whitman College's outdoor theater, followed by six concerts at six venues in one week, including the other's view parade in Walla Walla, the Fairground, Boise Idaho, Walla Walla Community College, and Washington State University. All the venues were filled to capacity, and at the end of each performance, the audience responded with a standing ovation of cheers and applause. I still remember that scene vividly. It was one of the best moments of my taiko career, and I will never forget it.

We, the Kojo-gumi, were able to visit Walla Walla again for the concert tour in 1997 and 2001 thanks to the Goodwill Committee and our Walla Walla host families. I hope that the bonds between TambaSasayama and Walla Walla will continue to deepen forever.