Soh Daiko helped to remember and celebrate the life of activist Yuri Kochiyama by participating in a memorial for Yuri on Saturday, September 27 at the First Corinthian Baptist Church . We performed her favorite taiko piece, Hachidan Uchi, joined by Soh Daiko alumni who became members of the group along with Yuri’s daughters Aichi and Audee Kochiyama in 1983.

Soh Daiko started in 1979, at a time when Asian Americans, especially women, were working to break the stereotype of the quiet Asian American. Yuri’s words and actions were a touchstone for a community group whose members were engaged in those struggles. Yuri was an enthusiastic and steadfast supporter of Soh Daiko, and regularly invited the group to her home; she even performed with a Kochiyama family taiko group at Audee’s wedding. Yuri, Aichi and Audee are a part of our history, and our family.

Photo: Akira Baruah