Forwarded for Kyo no Kai
Shinsei Kai: Emerging Stars of Japanese Arts
Sunday, November 4, 2018, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Aratani Theatre (Little Tokyo, Los Angeles)
Tickets: $15
Created by the first Japanese-American Kabuki actor, Nakamura Gankyō, “Shinsei Kai: Emerging Stars of Japanese Arts” will be a one time performance bringing various emerging artists, both solo and in collaboration, from various Japanese art forms on Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 pm at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
Performances will include Kabuki theater dance by Nakamura Gankyō, taiko drum originals by artist Walter Nishinaka, calligraphy artist and dancer Kunihara Yoshida, and koto musician Brian Mitsuhiro Wong. All performers began their training before the age of 5 years old.
Joining the program from Japan is master artist Bandō Ai (Japanese classical dance), and from the San Francisco Bay area, koto master Shirley Muramoto Wong.
Special to the program is the performance and then presentation of official name to Los Angeles local Bandō Kyōharumi (AKA Cheryl Ikegami). This is the first presentation of official name by Los Angeles artist, Bandō Hirohichirō. Not often witnessed in the U.S., this very traditional ceremony takes place only after the dancer has undergone years of dance training and vigorous training of the mind, body and soul.
“Shinsei Kai” was created to allow young artists an opportunity to expand their artistic boundaries and introduce master artists to give their support and guidance.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10339003
Please note that there is a $2 convenience charge per ticket when purchasing through the website above.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Aratani Box Office
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm - 5 pm
244 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For more details:
www.kyonokai.com
Instagram: kyonokai
hichirob@gmail.com
760-503-5088
Bio Briefs:
Gankyo Nakamura – the first non-Japanese citizen to be accepted into the professional ranks of Kabuki and has performed in all major Kabuki theaters in Japan. He has also performed in England, China, Korea and India. He is PhD candidate at UCLA’s Department of Asian Languages and Cultures. He currently is a college instructor and teaches classical Japanese dance throughout California and one studio in New York
Walter Nishinaka – Joined Chikara Daiko taiko group when he was 4 years old. He played taiko with “Koa” a taiko group based in Tokyo for nearly a year and collaborated with various musical groups around the Little Tokyo area. Walter also plays the bass drum for the Los Angeles Football Club’s supporter union and holds a 3rd degree black belt in karate.
Brian Mitsuhiro Wong – follows the koto musicality of his mother and grandmother as a 4th generation performer and teacher. He received the Grand Prix award and the Koshi instructor’s certification both in 2005. Brian also plays the shamisen, shakuhachi and saxophone. His mother, Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto will travel to Los Angeles and perform for this concert.
Kunihara Yoshida – is a Japanese calligrapher, hip-hop dancer and teacher. He collaborates with various artists for new ways to blend tradition with contemporary. He emphasizes respect between cultures and continues to find ways to communicate understanding of various backgrounds.
