Kizuna Taiko - Cultural Exchange

In October this year the Springboard Kizuna Taiko Drummers are planning to embark on a cultural exchange with a similar group in Japan. They also plan to engage with Taiko Masters and make a visit to the Australian embassy and Hobart's sister city, Yaizu.

To make this trip possible it will require a substantial amount of money. We have received some grant money and have now also received some other funds from offline donations and fundraising activities, (refer to Update #2 posted 2/8/2018). 
We still require an additional $17,500 to help cover the costs involved with undertaking such a major trip. These include airfares, food and travel, accommodation, insurance and a team uniform for all participants.

However due to the large amounts of organisation and paperwork required, we need to raise this in the next few weeks. We truly hope to reach this goal in time so that all the students can make the trip to Japan.

Springboard is a program at Rosny College designed to support the learning, social and emotional needs of students with disability. The school's core values of Relationships, Learning and Respect lie at the heart of the Springboard program. It fosters creativity, resilience and well-being whilst preparing the students to live independently. These students range from 16 to 18 years of age.

Taiko Drumming was introduced to the Springboard students in 2015 as part of the ‘Expression Through the Arts’ Program. They have showed great commitment and gained much confidence and enjoyment from the Taiko program, performing at numerous events such as the HCC Harmony Day Celebrations in Elizabeth St Mall, Tascare Music@MONA, ABC Studios Hobart, a tour of schools in Tasmania’s North-West and also at many Rosny College events.

An invitation was made in late 2017 by visiting Taiko Masters Makoto Sekine and Yuko Yamaguchi to travel to Japan in 2018 to perform with Himawari Taiko – a group of like-minded drummers with disabilities in Hikone in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture. Other Taiko groups in Japan are also keen to connect with Kizuna Taiko.

We are hoping to take 9 students and 5 support staff on this trip of a lifetime. While this initially felt like a pipe dream, a dedicated team of parents and staff at Rosny College have been working since the start of the year to make this a reality. Many grant applications have been submitted, a quiz night is planned along with other fundraising endeavours.

Nothing like this has been undertaken before. We are breaking down the perceived barriers of limitations that society places on people with disability, and these students will be able to participate in a cultural experience that they might not otherwise be able to.

A trip of this magnitude will foster a deep respect for our different cultures, music and for each other. It will bring people together in the shared and healing experience of taiko.

The vision of Rosny College is to be “an inspiring and empowering learning community”
The Springboard drumming students are an inspiration to all that see them play.

We would be most appreciative of your kindness and generosity in giving a donation to help the group achieve their goal of getting to Japan.

We can’t wait to share our journey with you. Keep watching for updates!

Dōmo arigatōgozaimashita –
Thank You Very Much.
From the Springboard Kizuna Taiko Drummers

We would like to thank the following for their support -
Australia-Japan Foundation - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Tasmanian Community Fund
Hobart City Council
Down Syndrome Tasmania Inc.
Soroptimist International Of Hobart
Walkers Coaches
Elphinstone Pty Ltd
Brian Ritchie
Taiko Drum
Fortitude – Strength Conditioning
Nandroya Vineyard



This Project is endorsed by -
The Governor of Tasmania
The Premier of Tasmania
Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart
Mayor of the City of Clarence