HOW AINOCO BACHI WAS BORN?
During World War II, like all other Japanese & Japanese American in California, Greg's parents were required to move to the Japanese relocation centers.
Once there, everyone had to be creative and make the best out of what they had available.
Greg fortunately had inherited this point of view from his parents. So he always questioning "What do I need to do to make this happen?" "How can I make something with the resource that I have?" or "How can I make this better?".
After he started to learn Tsugaru Shamisen, his teacher Sasaki-Sensei asked him to make a small Bachi for kids (CHIBI Bachi). This lead him to start making custom bachi since he was having a hard time using a standard Bachi.
It was like making Taiko (Japanese drum) out of old wine barrels that he used to do. After many attempts, Greg is passionate with this innovative Bachi design and wants to make this available for everyone from beginners to professional performers.
WHO CREATES AINOCO?
Greg Matsuura
The Owner Greg Matsuura is a performer, creator, builder and repair technician of traditional Japanese musical instruments. He is a third generation Japanese American born in Anaheim, California.
Greg’s first traditional Japanese musical instrument was the taiko drum. In 1980, he helped establish the first taiko drum group in Orange County "Daion Taiko" California. He served as Daion Taiko’s director and instructor for 17 years.
Soon after playing the taiko drum, he started studies on the Shakuhachi and Shinobue. Then started to learn Tsugaru Shamisen on 2014.
Greg currently performs with Kokoro Taiko Kai (Long Beach) and Sasaki Mitsuru Sangen Kai (Gardena), based in California.
Greg has performed his array of Japanese musical instruments at many cultural events at venues such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Aquarium of the Pacific to name a few.
Greg also played Shakuhachi on the Disney movie soundtrack “The Thirteenth Year” from the Little Mermaid series.
MESSAGE FROM CREATOR
Thank you for visiting the Ainoco website.
From a young age, I have been inspired by and really respect Japanese tradition. As a US born Japanese American, I always have an interest in Japan and wanted to discover more Japanese culture. My journey had began with a building American Style Taiko Drum using wine barrel in 80's and my passion is still moving forward.
Now I want to be a part of a connector between Japanese Tradition and the World.
I hope all the Shamisen players will enjoy my Bachi as much as I do. I will make your tailor made Bachi with full of my gratitude.
Greg Matsuura, Ainoco Craftsman
