Watch and learn from Roy Hirabayashi how San Jose Taiko has broadened and embellished an historical art form into a style that joins the traditional rhythms of Japanese drumming with the beat of world rhythms including African, Balinese, Brazilian, Latin and jazz percussion.
To visit the San Jose Taiko website go to https://taiko.org/
This chapter is part of The San Jose Obon Festival episode.
The unique, ancient storytelling form, kamishibai, is given new life by authors/performers Hazuki Kataoka and David Battino. They draw upon classic folktales and original artwork to create Storycard Theater dramas.
To visit the Storycard Theater website go to http://storycardtheater.com/
This chapter is part of The San Jose Obon Festival episode.
Joni discusses the Buddhist religion with the speaker from the festival’s “Buddism 101” workshop, Reverend Gerald Sakamoto from the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.
To visit the church’s website go to https://www.sjbetsuin.org/
This chapter is part of The San Jose Obon Festival episode.
Learn about the purpose of the Obon Festival and what it takes to put it on from festival chairman Jim McClure and past organizer Jimi Yamai: from the hundreds of volunteers to the tons of food and everything else that keeps thousands coming back year after year.
To visit the festival’s website go to https://www.sjbetsuin.org/annual_obon_festival/
This chapter is part of The San Jose Obon Festival episode.
Get the best seat to view hundreds of dancers as they fill the street to bring this great two-day festival to a close. You’ll also learn what familiar children’s game is part of one of the dances performed.
This chapter is part of The San Jose Obon Festival episode.