JinShan Collective Presents Harmony, Healing, & Taiko: A Soul Journey Through Japanese Drums with Proud Asian Men
Asian men are experiencing a mental health epidemic.
In 2015-2019, Asian men were the least likely to use mental health services compared to any other race and gender combination (SAMHSA, 2021).
In order to combat this, Proud Asian Men was created.
Proud Asian Men is a support group and men's mental health collective hosted under Asian Mental Health Project in collaboration with JinShan Collective whose mission is to create a safe and brave space for Asian men to explore the intersection of their culture and masculinity in a supportive environment.
About the Taiko Facilitation:
KODO – a professional touring ensemble from Japan and a pioneering force in the world of taiko – states, "When we play taiko, we are not just drumming. We are sharing our spirit, our energy, and our history." The pain and trauma embedded in our histories can sometimes alter the course of our lives. Yet still, our hearts maintain a steady cadence through moments of sadness, anger, and confusion. When we reconnect with this primal rhythm within us, we are reminded that harmony can always be rediscovered, no matter what we have endured.
Taiko, the Japanese art of drumming, is resonant, visceral, grounding, and thunderous. It invites us to connect our spirit and whole body rhythmically through movement and music. As powerful and earth-shaking as it is, taiko can also be tranquil and meditative, opening the door to healing and mindfulness—not just for ourselves, but together with those we share it with. In the words of Indian tabla virtuoso and composer Zakir Hussain, "Rhythm is everywhere. It is in our heartbeat, in our breath, in the way we walk. When we understand rhythm, we understand life."
We are excited to have you! The commitment for the year is to have a monthly in-person event in the SoCal area for this community.
Programming is as follows:
1:30-2 PM: Introductions, Community Guidelines, Opening Meditation and Ice Breakers by Leo Xia
2-4:30 PM: Taiko Drumming Facilitation by Noel Garcia
4:30-5:30 PM: Group Share and Processing Facilitated by Leo Xia
House Rules:
- Taiko are NEVER to be used as a table or chair.
- NO outside shoes on the blue mats.
- You may wear CLEAN yoga socks, dance shoes, et al, or you may go barefoot.
- Do not touch anything related to martial arts. These items belong to Amanda, the owner of the Dojo.
- This event will be physical, so please dress accordingly, i.e., gym/workout/martial arts attire or any comfortable clothing to sweat in.
- Taiko etiquette requires that you do not wear any jewelry, accessories, hats, etc. to prevent serious injury to the body as well as damage to belongings. Long hair needs to be tied back.
- Taiko etiquette requires that you bow toward the main area leaving or entering the blue mats to pay respect to the training space.
- Please factor in drive & parking time as there will only be street parking.
What to Bring:
- Ear plugs
- Plenty of water (it will get really warm; stay hydrated)
- Journal & writing implements
- Sweat towel
- Change of clothes
- Open Heart & Mind
Scholarships: if you are in need of financial assistance to attend this event please email me at lowhiofficial@gmail.com. We will have some sliding scale options as well as sponsored tickets available.
Parking: street and metered parking around the venue.
This event is reserved for folks who identify as Asian men - spots limited to 18 attendees. If we have reached capacity, please sign up for the waitlist in case someone drops out at the last minute. This will allow us to gauge interest in future events as well.
All purchases are nonrefundable.
DISCLAIMER This event is not providing professional therapy services. Please seek professional medical and mental health services for treatment needs and advice.
By attending you are consenting to photos and videos being taken potentially for promotional purposes. If you are uncomfortable with this please let us know beforehand and we will honor requests to not have any media taken of them for promo.
About your facilitators:
Leo Xia is a Los Angeles-based men’s mental health facilitator and Alt R&B/Lofi performance artist going by the name Lowhi.
He facilitates weekly men's support groups through his own JinShan Collective as well as Proud Asian Men in collaboration with Asian Mental Health Project. In these groups he navigates conversations about masculinity, culture and identity for Asian men. He created these spaces to combat the global male loneliness epidemic and to support men in creating the life that they dream of through emotional intelligence and communication.
Noel Garcia (he/him) is a professional artist, educator, and visionary in the world of Taiko - Japanese drums, dedicated to using rhythm and movement as a medium for self-discovery, creative expression and healing.
With over 25 years of experience - both in the U.S. and Japan - Noel brings a deep, holistic approach to his work. As an instructor, artistic director, and composer, he founded his own taiko team (Genbu Daiko) in 2015 in San Diego, California, focusing his craft on emotional storytelling and the power of vulnerability. He cultivates safe and inclusive spaces where the drum becomes a portal to mental wellness, personal transformation, and connection to community. Through his guidance, participants are encouraged to honor Self, embrace their creativity, find harmony with others in togetherness and discover their own unique rhythm - both in taiko and in other facets of life itself.