2023 TaikoGO! - Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Friends (6)

Finale performance by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Friends at the 2023 North American Taiko Conference Regional in Hilo, Hawai‘i.
Full Video of Concert: • 2023 TaikoGO! Concert ...
Livestream of Concert with ASL Interpretation: ruclips.net/user/li...
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Bio:
Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, formed in 1984, by Faye Komagata was the first ensemble Japanese drum group in Hawaii to perform year-round. Hawaii Matsuri Taiko’s repertoire of traditional and modern Japanese taiko music, as well as original taiko compositions reflect the group’s Western and Japanese cultural heritage.
In the spirit of gratitude for shaping the heritage of taiko in Hawaii, this special presentation honors two individuals whose influence has shaped the landscape of taiko here in Hawaii - Tosha Kiyonari and Faye Komagata.
Featured on stage are members of Hawaii Matsuri Taiko, Puna Taiko, Ryugen Taiko, and solo performers Michael Gonhata and Fred Visaya all of whom trace their "taiko lineage" through these two pioneers while collectively carrying the artform forward into the years ahead.
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Songs: "Uneri" and "Kazan"
The first song, "Uneri" is composed by Kiyonari Tosha, founder of Nihon Taiko Dojo in Tokyo, and is a favorite piece amongst the groups performing on stage. This song was written by sensei to tell the story of an epic battle between fisherman and fish. Hence the name “Uneri” which refers to the wave-like motion of the sea.
The second song, "Kazan", or “Volcano” was composed by Faye Komagata during her tenure as leader of Hawaii Matsuri Taiko,, and is often featured as a finale piece in their performances to this day. Featuring solos from many of the local groups, today's presentation of "Kazan'' is a special collaboration to recognize Mrs. Komagata's tireless work in building taiko in Hawai‘i
Collectively, our performers dedicate this performance to Tosha-sensei and Komagata-sensei in recognition of their talent, hard-work and sharing attitude which has brought each of our taiko journeys to this point. We all promise to carry on their efforts by teaching, performing and passing on their work. Okage sama de!
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Videography by Viola Lee with audio/video mixing by Gregory Wada.