Making its world debut in 1999 at the North American Taiko Conference (NATC), Hana Hachijo is a powerful and beautiful drumming style popularized by Kodo Distinguished Member Chieko Kojima. On this auspicious 20th anniversary celebration of Hana Hachijo we invite you to join us in Portland, Oregon for the Hana Hachijo Summer Intensive led by Chieko.

Open to all taiko players - at all experience levels, ages 18 and above - participants will learn the Hana Hachijo drumming style which combines the beauty of Japanese traditional dance with the power of the taiko. One of the keys to the beauty of Japanese traditional dance and taiko lies in having the body appear natural and poised while maintaining an unnatural and strenuous position. Participants will learn how to push their bodies, their strength, and personal endurance to the limit without sacrificing suppleness or grace.  Many of the techniques presented in this Intensive can be directly applied to a variety of drumming styles to improve and develop better body movement and control.

Chieko Kojima
Chieko Kojima first encountered Japanese folk dance when she joined Sado no Kuni Ondekoza on Sado Island in 1976. In 1981 she was a founding member of Kodo and recognized in 2012 as a Kodo Distinguished Member. Chieko is also a founding member of female song-and-dance trio Hanayui.

Initially recognized for her original dance contributions to Kodo's taiko-based performances, she has developed an active solo career with global impact. She has collaborated with taiko groups in Japan, North America, Europe and Australia and toured Europe as Cultural Envoy from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Chieko is also no stranger to NATC and TCA. She debuted Hana Hachijo at the 1999 conference, was an invited speaker to the inaugural Taiko Talks at NATC 2015 in Las Vegas, and was guest performer at Taiko Jam 2015. TCA is honored to introduce her as this year's Summer Intensive Instructor.

Daily Schedule
The Summer Intensive includes 18 hours of instruction, distributed over morning and afternoon sessions, and a relaxing 90-minute lunch break. Lunch will be provided each of the 3 days.

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.     Morning Session
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.     Lunch
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.       Afternoon Session

Oregon Buddhist Temple
The Oregon Buddhist Temple has graciously agreed to serve as the home for the Summer Intensive. Founded in 1903, the Temple served as a community and cultural center for the Japanese and Japanese-American community. It's services were interrupted by World War II. In 1966 they dedicated their current facilities. The Oregon Buddhist Temple continues their support for the local Nikkei and Buddhist community, including serving as home to one of NATC 2019's host groups, Portland Taiko.

Lodging
Located in a primarily residential neighborhood, lodging near the Oregon Buddhist Temple is sparse. The nearest lodging is walkable and less than half a mile away: Motel 6 (3104-06 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202). Participants may also consider using the University Place Hotel (310 SW Lincoln St, Portland, OR 97201), a 10-minute drive from the Oregon Buddhist Temple.

TCA Summer Intensive
The TCA Summer Intensive (formerly Summer Taiko Intensive) is a program conceived, organized, and supported by TCA and its members.