Presented by the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum! Come join us on a journey to Japan in culture and music in Balboa Park. From traditional music such as the taiko drums and koto, to Japanese pop, this event will have something for all ages! Yokoso!
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 11:00am-4:30pm
Location: Plaza De Panama (In front of the San Diego Museum of Art)
Cost: Free! | Limited seating to first come, first served
Schedule
11:00am-11:30am : Yako & Aya
Yako Eicher Born in Iwakuni Japan, Yako started Classical piano training at 5 and continued until her graduation from Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo. She then established her own Music Teaching business called the Yako Dream Project. During this time Yako also performed at various venues as a vocalist and pianist as well as an event planner while maintaining her teaching schedule in piano, voice training, music theory etc. Aya Kameoka
Born in Iwakuni Japan, Aya started studying Marimba at 12 and started the vibraphone at 18. She graduated from Koyo music school in Kobe Japan. In 2016, she moved to the New York and studied with Allan Molnar and performed at Lehman college’s jazz band Ensemble. Also, she has performed with musician’s in the New York jazz scene.
Yako and Aya are a mom/daughter duo performers.
12:00pm-12:30pm: San Diego Yosakoi
"an Diego Yosakoi is the first Yosakoi team in Southern California! We are excited to perform this unique and energetic style of Japanese dance. Yosakoi blends traditional and modern forms of Japanese dance, featuring naruko, unique music, costumes, and energetic team coordination.
Yosakoi first began in Kochi, Japan in the 1950s after World War II as a way to rebuild the economy, culture, and spirit of the region. Now, yosakoi is performed all over Japan and the world, and all people are encouraged to participate regardless of age or background. Many groups blend yosakoi with their own traditional dances and use this art form to spread joy.
1:00pm-1:30pm: Viorhythm
Viorhythm is a group of talented young musicians who are trained on classical violin instruments. Drawing inspiration from diverse musical genres, from classical to contemporary pop, Disney and movie hits, as well as anime songs, this group brings a fresh and innovative approach to their music, redefining the boundaries of traditional violin performance to the audience.
2:00pm-2:30pm: Genbu Daiko
Formed back in August of 2015, Genbu Daiko is a contemporary percussion ensemble specializing in taiko - the art of Japanese drums. Although the team mostly drums in synchronization, the performers are encouraged to apply their individuality and interpretations to share with their audience a percussive experience in rhythmic creativity.
3:00pm-3:30pm: Masazumikai
The Masazumi Kai koto ensemble, consisting of koto, sangen (shamisen) and shakuhachi has been performing in San Diego area schools and other public area since 1971. The group performs a variety of music ranging from classical Japanese to modern. And has even performed with a Suzuki violin group, as well as a Japanese dancing troupe.
Masazumi Kai concerts have featured marimba, harmonica, shakuhachi and koto artists, most notably Iemoro Nakashima, the head of the Seiha Conservatory of Japanese Music, and the celebrated composer and virtuoso, Shinichi Yuize, under whom Masazumi Mizuno studied koto and sangen in Tokyo.
Twelve of Mizuno Sensei's students have taken their tests in Japan to receive the Junshihan, or Assistant Teacher Degree, four have gone on to receive their Shihan, or Teacher Degree, and one has even achieved Daishihan, or Grand Master's Degree.
Masazumi Kai has been performing annually at the Japanese Friendship Garden Cherry Blossom Festival, Fall and Spring Sumie-shows, and the Buddhist Temple of San Diego's cultural bazaar. Also perform at local libraries as well as retirement homes.
Masazumi Mizuno continues to teach koto and sangen and perform at various venues including schools throughout San Diego as part of the Youth Audiences program in the hope of spreading appreciation of Japanese culture.
4:00pm-4:30pm: Buddhist Temple of San Diego Taiko
Buddhist Temple of San Diego (BTSD) Taiko is an intergenerational taiko group made up of members of the Buddhist Temple of San Diego. Several of its families have two generations of drummers. The temple practices Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and has been a place of cultural preservation for Japanese and Japanese Americans in San Diego since 1926. BTSD Taiko was originally founded in 1986, and after a hiatus, the group reconvened in 2007. BSTD Taiko has performed at numerous community events including local festivals, cultural celebrations and school and library programs.
The goal of BTSD Taiko’s drumming is not perfection in performance, but to put into practice mindfulness, oneness and gratitude. While drumming together, members aim to spread the dharma (teachings of Buddhism) such as interdependence and impermanence with the sangha community.