Posted on June 15, 2026
Azuma Kikusue (Carolyn Kubota Morinishi) studied Nihon Buyō for many years under the late Azuma Sumako II and earned her natori (master) and shihan (instructor) degrees from the Azuma School headquarters in Tōkyō, Japan. She has been teaching for 28 years, after serving as an assistant instructor under Azuma Sumako II for eight years.
Residing in Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i, Kikusue flies once a month to Southern California where she currently teaches 60 students from Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. She also teaches 30 students in Hawai‘i, through weekly classes in Kapa‘a and Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i and monthly classes in Honolulu, O‘ahu.
Personal History: Kikusue is married with three adult children. She holds degrees in Math and Computer Science and previously worked for 12 years in software development.
For 18 years, she wrote a monthly children’s column on Japanese culture for the Hawai‘I Herald. She has also written three books on Japanese culture for children and currently works as an editor and consultant.
She also volunteers for many community organizations, including chairing a weekly hot lunch program for homeless neighbors on Kaua‘i, as a board member/volunteer of Kapa‘a High School Foundation, Līhu‘e Kūpuna (seniors), Sons and Daughters of the 442nd RCT, and an officer for MIS Veterans Hawai‘i.
A long history of youth involvement began when her kids were small and includes 15 years as a Girl Scout leader (1997-2012), 13 years as a Cub/Boy Scout leader/counselor (1998-2010), and many years as a soccer team mom, gymnastics board member, Sunday School teacher and Youth Group leader. She currently still serves as a Youth and Young Adult leader at church.
Dance Group overview: Over the years, Kikusue and her students have performed at professional venues and benefit performances for both community and non-profit organizations. While still teaching the Japanese dance classics, she reaches out to the Yonsei (4th), Gosei (5th) and future generations by blending traditional Japanese dance techniques with modern influences. The Azuma School in the U.S. continues to grow and perpetuate Japanese culture through the art of Nihon Buyō (classical Japanese dance).