Captivated by the rhythm and inspired by the power of the drums, the late Harley Tonooka and Gene Sekiya returned home determined to start a Taiko group in Fresno after hearing San Jose Taiko in concert.

     Both being members of the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple, they began to meet with potential players, contributors and temple officials.  After many meetings and a great deal of support, the group was formed in 1987 under the direction of Mr. Mamoru Maseba and Mr. Robert Taniguchi, with both of these temple members having Taiko experience during their youth.

     Rev. Michihiro Honda, the group's first ministerial advisor, gave this fledgling group the name GUMYO-FRESNO BETSUIN BUDDHIST TAIKO.  The name "Gumyo" was chosen for two reasons.  Gu means together or sharing with and Myo means life; therefore GUMYO means "sharing life together".  Secondly, Gumyo is a mythical two-headed bird in ancient Buddhist writings called Sutras, that teach a lesson about sharing and living in harmony.  The group adopted the stage name, "Fresno Gumyo Taiko", but retains the original name for official purposes. 

     The original group consisted mostly of junior high school and high school students.  With the majority of those original players having gone to college or to pursue other occupational goals, an adult group was formed in 1992 and a new children's group or junior group was formed in the latter part of 1994.  Another group was formed in 2001and members from both group are presently playing and performing as representatives of Fresno Gumyo Taiko.

     The group has made most of its instruments from the very beginning to the present and is self-supporting through fund-raisers and donations from performances.  The group continues to be affiliated with the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple and currently has over 40 members of varying age and level of experience. 

     While the group welcomes members of all faith and ethnicity, the majority of its members are Japanese-American who find Taiko an excellent way to express themselves artistically and stay in touch with their cultural heritage. 

To purchase drum handles through the Fresno Gumyo Taiko organization, please see information on Drum Handles for SALE button.