Posted on May 10, 2026.
LOS ANGLES— Fuji Japanese Music Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese performing arts in Southern California, held a hands-on ohayashi (Japanese percussion) workshop on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Rafu Chuo Gakuen Japanese School (202 N. Saratoga Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033) in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.
The one-hour program welcomed students ages 7 to 14, many of whom had never encountered Kabuki theater or its music.
The session opened with a short introductory video, followed by a live demonstration on the odaiko (large drum) — inviting students to close their eyes and identify sounds of waves, wind, and rain.
Artistic director Mariko Watabe then guided the students through more than 1,000 years of history: from the origins of ohayashi in Noh theater, through its fusion with shamisen music, to the birth of Kabuki in the Edo period.
To make the timeline vivid for young learners, Watabe noted that ohayashi was already a refined art form 650 years before Pokémon was invented — and that Kabuki began 173 years before the United States existed.
Students then got hands-on time with the kotsuzumi (small hand drum), and atarigane (small metal gong), playing along with Yasoyo Kineya (Takako Osumi) on shamisen for Sakura Sakura, and Maiko (of Yamatogaku genre).
“We want the next generation to grow up knowing not just the Japanese language, but also the rich culture that comes with it. I hope to share the wonder of ohayashi with as many children — and adults — as possible.” said Mariko Watabe, Artistic Director, Fuji Japanese Music Inc.
Fuji Japanese Music extends sincere thanks to Takako Osumi — former Japanese language school teacher, Urasenke tea ceremony practitioner, and shamisen player — for organizing the event, to the faculty of Rafu Chuo Gakuen Japanese School, and to Mitsue Kajikawa for her generous assistance.
Upcoming Events of Fuji Japanese Music
• Nisei Week Grand Parade with Katada Kisaku IV from Japan who appeared on “Kokuho” movie. | Sunday, August 16, 2026 · Los Angeles
• Special Concert & Workshop | Saturday, August 22, 2026 · Nichiren Buddhist Temple, Los Angeles
Fuji Japanese Music welcomes workshop inquiries from schools, community organizations, and cultural institutions throughout Southern California.
Email: fujijapanesemusic@gmail.com
Web: www.fujijapanesemusic.org