Ways of Being

By Miharu Okamura

The idea for what has now become “Ways of Being” began as a tiny seed, spurred by a desire to create a piece reflecting the intersections of Asian American identity, culture, art, and mental health in our lives. As our story manifested and community grew, we held space for an authentic voice to be expressed through music. Our piece, which incorporates taiko, movement, voice, guitar, violin, koto, and spoken word, is the organic synthesis of each of our musical and artistic backgrounds. As our piece continues to evolve, our group, Bonbu Stories, stays true to our intention of embracing vulnerability and using music and art to tell honest stories. 

This collaboration was inspired by Kendall Tani’s original spoken word piece and its raw depiction of depression and suicide. Through musical narration, we use taiko to represent the ambivalent views of the protagonist, as well as the simultaneously protective and invasive role of the supporter through a constant and sometimes overbearing backbeat. The stringed instruments (koto, violin, and guitar) sound ambient emotions--peaceful but also dissonant. The piece’s instrumentation is a fusion of our musical and artistic backgrounds and life experiences.

Bonbu Stories has also gone forth to create spaces for people to share their own art and voices by hosting regional open mics and now planning online open mics. The memories shared at past open mics can only be described as magical and full of love and support. We cannot wait to create more safe places for the future, on and hopefully one day offline.

From Left to right (Emily Yoshihara-Imazumi, Miko Shudo, Vicky Zhang, Kendall Tani, Sydney Shiroyama, Miharu Okamura)