Taiko artist, instructor & performer.

Michael began playing taiko around age eight through Koganji Temple in Hawaiʻi, where he first performed at the temple's annual Bon Dance. He continued as the temple group evolved into Ryusei Taiko. His early experience also included participation in the first Taiko Center of the Pacific youth group. In 2002, he moved to Japan to study under Tosha Kiyonari Sensei, an original member of Sukeroku Daiko and leader of Nihon Taiko Dojo.

Across more than two years and 4,000 hours, he studied, played, and performed alongside Tosha Sensei and Kobayashi Taro. Michael became a performing member of Nihon Taiko Dojo and is authorized by Tosha Sensei to teach its techniques and songs, including Sukeroku-style Yodan repertoire.

Michael's professional taiko career began in 2004. After returning to Hawaiʻi, he began teaching and performing with ensembles while also developing his work as a solo artist. He continued returning to Japan annually to perform in Sanja Matsuri and selected Nihon Taiko Dojo concerts.

Michael's playing is fluid and graceful, allowing power to come through efficient body mechanics rather than unnecessary force. This approach helps bring out the natural voice and resonance of each drum.

His work has taken him across Hawaiʻi, the continental United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan as a teacher, performer, soloist, and collaborator. Michael has performed with internationally recognized ukulele artist Taimane and appears as a guest artist on her album We Are Made of Stars. He teaches as a guest instructor with Taiko Center of the Pacific, has served as a regular guest instructor-in-residence with Puna Taiko, and performs as a member of MikAnS.

Founded in 2018, Manoa Taiko is Michael's professional practice and the home for his independent work across performance, education, workshops, coaching, collaborations, and original projects.