Enjoy this performance from SF Koto Group Hanaikada of 花は咲く Hana wa saku (2013) “Flowers will bloom.” The song commemorates the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan.
Washi Ningyo Demonstrations
Join Rochelle P. Lum in learning how to make two washi ningyo dolls:
a man and a woman.
Man Doll Demonstration
Woman Doll Demonstration
Matsuya Nozawa
Video courtesy of AIRMW/Hot House Global program
Nozawa Matsuya and his wife Miki (Matsuya Miki (松也美紀)）play at the entrance gate of Kurayama Temple, this is the place where the fabled story of the duel between Ushiwakamaru and Musashibo Benkei occurred.
It is a favorite subject in Japanese art is the duel between Ushiwakamaru (the childhood name of Minamoto Yoshitsune) and the renegade monk Musashibō Benkei on Gojō (5th Avenue) Bridge in Kyoto. Having vowed to take 1000 swords away from their owners, Benkei had collected 999 when he spotted a youth wearing a richly decorated sword. His demand for the sword refused, Benkei attacked. But Yoshitsune, who had been trained by tengu (long-nosed goblins who could fly and were legendary masters of swordsmanship), leaped high in the air to strike the monk. Benkei conceded and became Yoshitsune’s faithful follower. In the war with the Taira, Yoshitsune won victory after amazing victory, but this only fueled the jealousy of Yoshitsune’s older brother, the future shogun Yoritomo. In the end, cornered by Yoritomo’s forces, Benkei dies while fighting off the enemy to give his lord enough time to commit seppuku, or ritual suicide.
Japanese Dance with GenRyu Arts
August 9, 16, 23
Japanese dance classes: join us as we cover the basics from preparation to fundamental etiquette, and general movements for bon odori (minyo style dances for Obon, a Buddhist celebration).
Episodes will be released weekly! Follow our Facebook event page to receive updates or check back on this page to view the videos.
Episode 1: How to put on a kimono
Episode 2: Basic movements
Episode 3
Chibi Taiko
August 9, 16, 23
Taiko drumming classes for preschool children and their parents, taught by founder of the GenRyu Arts Taiko and Odori School, Melody Takata.
Episodes will be released weekly. Follow our Facebook event page to receive updates or check back in on this page to watch each episode!