The finale program of the Matsutoyo Kai 54th Anniversary Recital: Tokyo Ondo is performed by all players and singers of the Matsutoyo Kai and guest singers and dancers. (Cultural News Photo)
Minyo – Japanese folk music – association the Matsutoyo Kai presented “Japanese Folk Music Festival: Matsutoyo Kai 54th Anniversary Recital” for near four hours at Ken Nakaoka Memorial Community Center in Gardena on Sunday, December 1, 2019.
Led by master Minyo singer and Shamisen player Mme. Matsutoyo Sato, Matsutoyo Kai has taught and performed Minyo music in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Matsutoyo Kai 54th Anniversary Recital showcased various Minyo music from Hokkaido in North to Kagoshima in South of Japan. Nostalgic melodies and joyful sounds created by Matsutoyo Kai performers touched heart of the Japanese American audiences at the Nakaoka Center.
The recital included performances by beginner students, Natori – stage name level – players and singers, Shihan – instructor level – players and singers, and a special stage by Iemoto Hisashi Sasamoto from Tokyo. Iemoto Sasamoto accompanied his Shamisen to many Matsutoyo Kai singers on Dec. 1, 2019 stage.
The finale program was Tokyo Ondo which was performed by all players and singers of the Matsutoyo Kai and guest singers and dancers.
