HOW AINOCO BACHI WAS BORN?
During World War II, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which forced Japanese Americans and immigrants into internment camps. About 120,000 individuals living along the U.S. West Coast and in Hawaii were affected.
Greg’s parents both experienced internment.
Living with minimal possessions, they innovated to improve their lives while supporting one another.
Growing up under creative parents, Greg naturally learned to create with limited resources, asking himself what was necessary and what could be substituted.
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?".
His creativity expanded during the 1980s when he led a TAIKO (Japanese Drum) group.
Unable to acquire Japanese Taiko drums, he crafted California-style taiko drums from wine barrels.
In 2014, after encountering Tsugaru shamisen, he created his first bachi at the request of his teacher for a smaller, child-friendly option. Experiencing difficulty with traditional bachi inspired him to develop options that would fit a variety of hands.
Through trial and error, he learned that slight modifications could drastically change the playing experience and sound quality. With countless improvements and advice, Ainoco bachi will continue to evolve.
As of May 2021, Greg has handmade over 100 acrylic bachi, testing each one himself. He takes pride in having created and played more acrylic bachi than anyone else.
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 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.
Born and raised in America, I’ve always been fascinated by traditional Japanese culture.
Perhaps the Japanese spirit flowing through me has driven my desire to know more about Japan.
My journey began with playing taiko, shakuhachi, and shinobue, accelerated by making taiko from wine barrels and expanding with the Tsugaru shamisen.
I hope to serve as a bridge to share this wonderful Japanese culture with people around the world.
I wish for everyone who encounters Ainoco bachi to enjoy playing the shamisen even more joyfully.
Each order is made with gratitude, keeping your smiles in mind. Thank you!
Greg Matsuura, Ainoco Artisan/Craftsman
