SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
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12:15 AM
Kagami Wari
Sake Barrel Ceremony
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
Japanese Sumo Wrestlers
USA SUMO
Join us for a unique opportunity to see Elite Japanese Sumo Champions (including former Ichinojo, Winner of the Emperor's Cup)! Hiroki and Ichi, who have journeyed all the way from Japan, and Mendee will be showcasing the art and tradition of sumo wrestling. Don’t miss out! This is a rare chance to witness their incredible skills up close. Learn about the rich history and techniques of sumo, and enjoy authentic matches right here on the Taste of Japan stage!
Japanese Taiko Drumming Artist
Ken Koshio
Taiko Japanese drumming artist, Ken Koshio, specializes in Taiko, the ancient Japanese drumming art form, Japanese Folk Artist, singer and songwriter. His mission is to bring peace to the Community and by creating a healthy environment for people to live in, through the healing power of ancient sounds and music. Ken Koshioh shares his Japanese spirit of WA taiko at his dojo WAKONKAN , offering Koshio Ryu, Taiko- Do Classes and he has been producing cultural events as K2Enterprise from 2013.
Kimono Fashion Show
Nadeshikokai, formally known as Japanese Culture and Traditions, Inc., is a volunteer organization and NPO 501(c)(3) which promotes Japanese culture and traditions. It was founded in 2011 in Southern California by a kimono master, Ms. Takako Sasaki.
Nadeshikokai honors and serves a culturally diverse community, regardless of background or beliefs. The volunteers and members participate with the understanding that the organization exists to promote and transmit Japanese culture, specifically the kimono culture, to all communities as well as to the future generations.
Japanese Calligraphy Artist
Chioukou
Japanese Calligraphy Artist and Master of Japanese Calligraphy. She’s been doing calligraphy for 37 years and teaches calligraphy in class, and participates in festivals to showcase and sell her art. She accepts requests for art works too.
Traditional Japanese Folk Music
Team Kawachi Ondo
Kawachi Ondo is a kind of Japanese folk song that originates from Yao City in the old Kawachi region of Japan, now part of modern-day Osaka Prefecture. "Team Kawachi Ondo" are BonOdori group, established in 2018, actively performing at popular Matsuri in LA & OC such as 2019 Japan Day at Angeles Stadium in Anaheim, Tanaka Farm in Irvine. We are good at making “Matsuri” Japanese Festival more fun and friendly. Let’s have fun and dance BonOdori together!
Ukelele Performance
JIBC Ukulelers
The JIBC (Japanese International Baptist Church) Ukulelers was formed with the
heartwarming mission to spread the joy and love of Jesus through communal worship,
welcoming members of all ages from 12-year-olds to seniors, and includes both beginners and those with music degrees. We play worship music at various special occasions such as Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Respect-for-the -Aged Day (the third Monday of September), and Christmas at JIBC, as well as at the Arizona Japanese Christian Fellowship
gathering.
Music Artist
Rocco 808
Crossing the Pacific Ocean and infusing island culture into hiphop music, Rocco808 is the next stage that Island pop has been cultivating over the last few years. After making the transition from a small island to the big city of Los Angeles, he honed his craft and developed his own sound after years of experimental projects of writing, recording, and composing records. He goes above and beyond, exceeding expectations creating island pop melodies on trap drums and other various productions. His combination of such diverse sounds expresses his authenticity and his reinvention of pop reggae, Afro and rap music.
Martial Arts Stunt Team
Project Shinobi
Project Shinobi Martial Arts Stunt Performance Team is based at JMAP Academy Taekwondo, Tricking, Stunts, and KPOP in Mesa, Arizona offering classes for children and adults. Led by Master Jacky Jakeo, a former stuntman working many years in Japan, our team joins together martial artists, dancers, and acrobats. Our performances include martial arts, dance, acrobatics, and fight choreography. We bring to you today a real Japanese style "HERO SHOW"! Hero shows or sometimes called character shows are very common in Japan. They are held at amusement parks, department stores, and events. They feature popular heroes or children's favorite cartoon characters. Most act out like a play with stories and can include costumes, martial arts actions, and special effects. Today's show pays homage to Japanese Tokusatsu style shows such as Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and Power Rangers. The show will be an epic display of kicks, flips, and tricks. A show you can only experience in Japan or Arizona! Sit back and join our heroes' journey to battle evil.
J & Kpop
J & Kpop Dance Workshop by AKDC
AKDC (Arizona Kpop Dance Crew) is a Kpop dance group founded by Rina Ohkuma who is a well-known Japanese dance and fitness creator. Upon moving to Arizona, Rina launched a dance workshop to share her passion for dance and Asian pop culture which has now become Arizona's No.1 Kpop dance workshop. For over 5 years, Rina and her crew have hosted Kpop dance classes in Mesa and Phoenix, creating a vibrant community of more than 1,400 Kpop fans and dancers. Our workshop is more than just learning Kpop dance choreography; it's about making new friends, creating unforgettable memories, and connecting with others who share the same passions and interests. Join us for our first J & Kpop mixed dance showcase and stick around for a fun 20-minute Kpop dance workshop afterwards!