TORRANCE, CA — The Southern California Amami-kai celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a Charity Concert and Cultural Showcase on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the James R. Armstrong Theatre in Torrance.
The day's theme, "Amami’s Soul Passed Down through Song and Textiles," is a dedicated celebration of the island group's unique artistic heritage.
The cultural experience begins with a Cultural Showcase running from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees will witness a rare, live demonstration of Oshima Tsumugi weaving, one of the world's most highly regarded and complex textiles. The demonstration will feature an authentic loom brought directly from Japan.
The showcase will culminate in a fashion segment, presenting both traditional kimonos and modern garments meticulously crafted from the exquisite silk of the Oshima Tsumugi.
The festivities transition to the Concert Program, which begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. The performance schedule is headlined by two celebrated Shimauta (Amami folk song) singers traveling directly from Amami Oshima: Marina Hirata and Riko Kusuda.
The stage will also feature dynamic local talent, including the powerful performance of Shishigumi LA (Lion Dance), the Iju Dance Collective, and the traditional sounds of the Haruo Ishihara Ryukyu Folk Song Research Institute.
Admission for adults is set at $25.00 (plus any online fees). In an effort to engage the next generation, tickets for high school students and children (ages 16 and under) are free, though a ticket is still required for entry.
As an added incentive, the first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary, original Amami Gunto (Amami Islands) tote bag.
For tickets, visit Eventbrite website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-california-amami-kai-50th-anniversary-tickets-1696085079129#:~:text=Southern%20California%20Amami%2Dkai%2050th,at%201:00%20PM%20%7C%20Eventbrite
