Ryukyu Koku Matsuri Daiko Performances
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, Los Angeles Chapter
“Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko” literally translates to “Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Drums.” “Ryukyu Kingdom” is the ancient name for what is today, the Okinawa prefecture of Japan. The company was founded in 1982 in Okinawa to teach young people a form of taiko based on the traditional Okinawan festival drum dancing called eisa. The group dances and drums simultaneously to an exciting blend of traditional and contemporary Okinawan and Japanese music. It provides a wonderful opportunity for young people to experience the passion of taiko drumming and the Okinawan spirit of generosity and friendship.
The organization also has chapters in mainland Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and the U.S.A., including Hawaii. In 1995, as a member of the O.A.A. Geino-Bu, the Los Angeles chapter was established. It is the only chapter located on the West Coast.
Impressing audiences with their skill and energy, the group has performed at numerous venues including the Nisei Week Parade and Coronation Ball, the "Starnight - Starbright” gala for the Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, the Japan Expo, Los Angeles, and various obon and ethnic festivals throughout southern California.
Their latest performances have been at the Nisei Week’s “17th Annual Kohaku Utagassen” (a karaoke competition) at the Japan America Theater on August 3, 2003, and the “Taiko Gathering” at the Japan America Theater Plaza on August 10, 2003. They will participate in the Okinawa Festival and Eisa Festival in Hawaii, August 30-September 2, 2003.
The Los Angeles Chapter currently has 13 young performers: Kitty Chan, Bryan Endow, Dean Endow, Kaori Ikemiya, Hidefumi Itokazu, Miyoko Itokazu, Ayano Miura, Grace Nishioka, Kohki Nishioka, Jonevin Sabado, Crystal Toyosato, Kristin Watanabe and Ken Yamauchi. Miyoko is the Chapter Chairperson. She was a 2001 Kempi Scholarship recipient, studying for a year at the University of Ryukyu in Okinawa. The group practices Sundays, 2-4 p.m., at the Gardena Dance Studio, 1807 W. 166th Street, Gardena, CA 90247. New students are always welcome!
For more information, please contact their coordinator, Naomi Endow, at (310) 540-1476. Her e-mail address is: nendow@aol.com. Their website is: www.geocities.com/beendow/RKMD.
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