Experience the mystique of Japan through beautiful traditional dance and music, fierce martial arts and exquisite visual arts.
Masters of traditional Japanese dance, music and the arts will gather at this dynamic event to showcase the beauty of Japanese culture. Do not miss this rare opportunity to see authentic kabuki dance and listen to the elegant sounds of koto and shakuhachi and powerful taiko drumming. Experience the martial arts of the samurai through karate, kendo and kobudo performances.
During the intermission, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists and other aficionados of Japanese traditional arts while tasting some delicious Japanese foods and drinks. Visit the gallery displaying beautiful kimono, calligraphy and ikebana flower arrangements, and try on the yukata, or Japanese traditional dress.
The current lineup:
- Michiko Kurata (Hanayagi Sukekatsumi) – kabuki, geisha and traditional Japanese dance
- Minako Itamoto (Fujima Umehana) – nihonbuyo (dance)
- Stephen Long – shishimai (lion dance)
- Cathleen Read (Ayakano) – koto (zither)
- Claudia Erland – koto (zither)
- Geni Skendo – shakuhachi (bamboo flute)
- Kanoko Kamata – shamisen (string instrument)
- Eden Rayz – cello
- Odaiko New England – taiko (drum)
- Kodokan Boston – karate & kobudo (martial arts)
- Callahan’s Karate – kenpo (martial arts)
- Boston Kendo Kyokai – kendo (martial arts)
- Michiko Imai – shodo (calligraphy)
Intermission:
- Masako Yatsuhashi – ikebana (flower arrangement)
- TBD – sado (tea ceremony)
- Izumi Noguchi – kimono collection
- Ara Mahar – kimono collection
- Kiyomi Yatsuhashi – aizome (indigo dye art)
It will be an amazing evening of stunning beauty and powerful energy. If you like Japanese culture, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other appreciators of Japanese arts. If you’re not familiar with Japanese culture, don’t miss this chance to experience this incredible event that brings together artists from all aspects of traditional Japanese arts.
 The Genki Spark and Brookline High School once again host the Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival with music, bon odori dance, crafts, food, and, of course, taiko drumming with groups from all over the greater Boston area. Come join us in celebrating the gift of the cherry blossoms in this fun, family-friendly event. When not performing, come visit us at our table. |
Our new home, Arlington, celebrates the arts with the sixth annual Arlington Alive! Summer Arts Block Party. It is a free event with live music, storytelling, artisan and craft booths, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Odaiko New England opens the event at 1pm.
Odaiko New England (ONE) is a premier Japanese drumming group in New England. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary and new location in Arlington. Come see and hear what ONE has to offer!
After practicing over 20 years in Woburn, we found a new home in Arlington early this year. This event is our way of saying “Hello” to our new neighbors and show what taiko drumming is all about, and share our love for taiko. You will see different kind of drums, different style of drumming, and have a sneak peak of our new songs in progress, how our school shows would look like, and of course, try some drumming yourself!
All ages are welcome although taiko drumming can get really loud, so those who have sensitive hearing, we recommend bringing ear plugs.
FREE for public (donation appreciated).
Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange and students from Ota City, Tokyo celebrate Obon together at the Peabody Essex Museum. Come for some amazing taiko, and after the performance participate in bon odori (festival dancing.)
This event is included with museum admission.
Odaiko New England is very pleased to return to Rhode Islands’s 36th annual Black Ships Festival, August 9th and 10th.
Friday evening, catch our full performance at 7pm at Independence Park. The event is free. Bring chairs and blankets to sit out on the grass.
Saturday will feature multiple small performances throughout the day as part of the Arts & Crafts and Martial Arts Fair featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays. And in the evening, we’ll be performing at the Black Ships Festival Gala.
The Black Ships Festival is a weekend-long festival celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened the Japanese ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to United States trade. The “Black Ships,” or “Kurofune,” refers to the Japanese term for foreign ships.
To celebrate this friendship, the Japanese city of Shimoda also celebrates this festival.
The Black Ships festival is hosted by the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island.
