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Members of UCLA’s Kyodo Taiko fill the stage during last year's Nikkei Culture Night. The group will perform at the Fowler Museum Thursday at 6 p.m.

The Japanese word “kyodo” has two translations: “family” and “loud children.”

UCLA Kyodo Taiko, a Japanese drumming group which will perform Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. as part of the Fowler Out Loud Series, has used both of these meanings to define the essence of the group. Though Japanese in origin, the UCLA group is composed of many non-Japanese students who have united as “family” and “noisy children” for cultural awareness.

“One of the things that makes Kyodo amazing (is) having that connection with a bunch of people who may be completely different from you otherwise,” said Emi Matsushita, a senior Japanese student.

Taiko drumming, a sacred art form, musically symbolizes a prayer and blessing for the crops and a hope for an abundant harvest. In ancient times, the Japanese people thunderously beat the taiko drums, hoping to bring rain and expel destructive pests.

The ancient practice has evolved in modern times and in the United States has become a cathartic experience to help Japanese Americans cope with tempestuous emotions and to encourage pride and solidarity.

UCLA’s Kyodo Taiko was founded in 1990 as part of Nikkei Student Union, and in 1992 it gave its first major performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of Japanese internment, honoring the 175 UCLA students who were interned.

The group today includes both experienced and beginning drummers from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

“Older members teach newer members technique, history and songs. We keep taiko alive at UCLA and try to spread our spirit by playing,” said Matsushita, a taiko drummer for three years.

Kyodo Taiko performs annually at NSU’s Culture Night, has hosted the Intercollegiate Invitational Concert, and has also appeared at the Tofu Festival, the Lotus Festival and the First Annual U.S.A. Sumo Open. The group has also performed at various exhibit openings for Fowler, including the “Matsuri” exhibit on Japanese festivals now on display.

Kevin Kitano, a member of Kyodo and a third-year business economics student, says that Fowler Out Loud’s commitment to cultural awareness shares many of the same goals as the group.

The performance at Fowler will consist of eight songs. The group’s members either write or arrange all the music they play, and the songs they are using for this performance have been specially chosen in accordance with Fowler’s “MATSURI!” (Japanese festival) exhibit.

“We’re playing traditional and student-composed pieces that are energetic and have an upbeat, happy vibe,” Kitano said.

Kevin Kitano joined Kyodo Taiko after a show when he, as an audience member, felt the drumming music strike an inner chord.

“There’s so much energy in the air, and the performance plays with so much joy and spirit. I just want to do the same,” Kitano said.

UCLA Kyodo Taiko will perform in the Fowler Interior Courtyard of the Fowler Museum on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. Admission is free.