NATC 2025 Phoenix

Ever wanted to perform and experience a hundred-year-old obon song? Taiko, fue, singing and dancing will energize you as you learn “Fukushima Ondo”. The song from the Fukushima region was brought to Maui by Japanese immigrants who worked on sugar plantations. Kay Fukumoto, a fifty-year performer of the song and a fourth-generation family member continuing the tradition, along with Maui Taiko assistants, will help participants to bring the song together. Participants will be sent links to learn the different elements and encouraged to learn them prior to the workshop. (Note: if this is possible - The song will be performed by participants at the Sunday recital with other conference attendees dancing.)

Prerequisite/What to bring: Knowing drumming for "Matsuri" will be helpful but not required. Equipment: kumidaiko & shime bachi