![]() In 2014, Fujii and Watanabe fused their unique skills to build Unit Souzou, a Portland-based taiko ensemble driven to create an expressive blend of taiko and Japanese folk dance, forging new traditions for evolving communities.ĭavid Wells began his musical journey as a clarinet player under the guidance of his father, a professional jazz musician. Through their 25 years of professional experience, both are recognized as relentless innovators, working with many North American and international taiko groups including San Jose Taiko, On Ensemble, Portland Taiko, TaikoArts Midwest and Kagemusha Taiko in the UK. Toru was a professional company member appearing in six original musical productions and teaching within Warabiza’s in-house residency program for youth. Michelle was awarded the prestigious Bunka-cho fellowship from the Japanese government. They met at Warabi-za, Japan’s foremost traditional folk dance troupe located in Northern Japan. Michelle Fujii & Toru Watanabe, Co-Directors of Unit Souzou, build creative, imaginative works while honoring the history and roots of the taiko art form. 龍 is also an acclaimed composer whose pieces are performed by groups in Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, and the U.S. Katsuji Kondo, and has won several awards for his odaiko performances at taiko competitions across Japan. He received his odaiko training from former Kodo core player, Mr. 龍’s style of playing emphasizes sensitivity, power, and clarity. He led Shippu Uchi Daiko for 15 years and launched his career as a professional solo taiko performer and instructor in 2008. 嶋本 龍 first encountered taiko at age 11 in his hometown of Yuasa in Wakayama Prefecture, where he still lives and performs taiko today. Yurika’s background in piano, dance, mixed media art, psychology and certification in TESOL combine in a unique mix to inform her work with taiko as an instrument for the individual’s expression of self and connection to community. As a visual artist with a degree in Psychology, Yurika is deeply interested in the connection between tactile/rhythmic aesthetics and creativity in art and music as well as the applications of taiko/art to holistic and mental health. She is a regular instructor at the North American Taiko Conferences, and was a panelist at the Women & Taiko Summer Taiko Institute in 2017. As part of SJT, she performs locally, nationally, and internationally, leads rehearsals, classes, and workshops, and composes original works. Yurika Chiba began playing taiko in Tokushima, Japan in 1995 and joined San Jose Taiko’s Artistic Staff in 2007. Don’t miss out: registration opens on February 5th! □ 12 hours of taiko with 4 phenomenal instructors. Southern California’s Largest Kiting Eventįree parking and shuttle service from SeaPort Marina Hotel!Ĭome with family and friends to enjoy Japanese and international kites of all sizes and colors! Kite Workshop and games for Children, Japanese food & cultural booths, GIANT Show kites, Taiko drum performance, Martial arts demonstrations, Traditional Japanese folk dancing, Kite Candy Drops for kids, Kite Battles and Stunt Kite demonstrations and much more!įree children’s kite workshop – 10am to 2pm (while supplies last).We have an amazing lineup of instructors coming to CONNECT 2022! And because of the unique format of the conference, there’s no need for you to agonize over which workshops to sign up for…you just have to register and show up. Japan America Society Featured Events 18th Annual Japan America Kite Festival
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