2024 PERFORMERS
Enjoy traditional music, dance, drama and more!
photo by Saori Matsuda
RIN’
Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music alumni Chie Arai, Mana Yoshinaga and Tomoca Nagasu, trained by Living National Treasures and united by their boundless creative energy, have created a new sound the combines classical instruments — the 17-string koto (zither), biwa (lute), sangen (shamisen), and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) — with modern pop and rock music.
Since their 2004 debut on the Avex Trax label, Rin’ has released four singles and several albums and have performed in numerous venues around the world. A number of their songs have been used as themes for anime and movies. Their chief international album, Inland Sea (2006), featured guest performances by Leigh Nash and Lisa Loeb. In 2005, the trio was awarded New Artist of the Year at Japan’s Gold Disc Awards.
After disbanding in 2009, the trio reunited in 2019 and have been releasing new music.
On the occasion of Rin’s 20th anniversary, Japan-America Society of Houston is eager to introduce Texas audiences to a new sound that reflects Japan’s modernity and serves as an enriching soundtrack to MEIJI MODERN: FIFTY YEARS OF NEW JAPAN -- the landmark exhibition of art from the Meiji Era (1868-1912), which will be on view at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston from July 7 through September 15, 2024.
Sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board
photo courtesy of Bentenya
BENTENYA
Bentenya is one of the few professional female Chindon-ya in Japan, a kind of marching band dedicated to street advertising who also performs at events or matsuri.
The chindon girls carry on the artform of promoting business while entertaining people, playing music, and marching in the street.
Donning glamorous kimonos and colorful wigs, they debuted in 2021 with a captivating chindon sound that blended nostalgia and modernity. Going beyond the traditional chindon style, they have taken on acting and shows at the Gionza and Nagoya Chukyo theaters. They surprised audiences by making an appearance in The Yellow Monkey's dome tour, and have gained attention for their performances in six overseas countries so far. They have been featured on various media outlets including television and newspapers. Their approachable demeanor is nostalgic to the older generation, refreshing to the younger crowd, and beloved by children. Their unique, electricity-free, and sustainable form involves only voices and live instruments. They possess a portable improvisational quality that allows them to perform without a traditional stage even while parading.
Bentenya's triumphant journey of spreading smiles and joy to street corners around the world has only just begun. In 2020, they were appointed as Nagoya Tourism Ambassadors.
Supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Houston
photo courtesy of Creative Minds Collaborative
CREATIVE MINDS COLLABORATIVE
Creative Minds Collaborative (CMC) is a non-profit organization, established by Nao Kusuzaki (former Soloist dancer with Houston Ballet) in 2016, to cultivate cultural understanding between Houston’s diverse communities and their artists.
At Japan Festival Houston 2024, CMC will share “Meiji Dances” is a new dance piece choreographed by Kusuzaki. Inspired by the exhibition Meiji Modern: Fifty Years of New Japan, the movements intertwine traditional Japanese dance forms with contemporary vocabularies and reflect the collision and integration of Western influences.
The dance is set in modern-day Japan and mirrors the spirit of the era, celebrating both the richness of Japan's heritage and its embrace of global influences.
The performance is accompanied by pianist Kana Mimaki, who draws from Japanese composers such as Rentaro Taki, with Western compositions by Camille Saint-Saëns.
photo by Night Sky Creative
KAMINARI TAIKO
KAMINARI TAIKO was founded in 1996 by Jay Mochizuki along with a number of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
KAMINARI's unique style of dynamic taiko performance is inspired by the traditional values of Japanese art and propulsive, toe-tapping world beats. The group's high-energy shows are powered by an arsenal of over 30 professional-quality taiko.
KAMINARI TAIKO enjoys sharing the spirit of taiko with audiences throughout Texas and beyond. Over the past nineteen years, KAMINARI has toured to over 20 cites, performed hundreds of concerts for live audiences exceeding 150,000, and developed into a prominent performing taiko group.
photo by Night Sky Creative
KOHEI HATTORI
Singer, songwriter and composer Kohei is an all-around entertainer.
The Apollo winner and McDonald’s GospelFest finalist has opened for the likes of Wu Tang Clan’s Raekwon, Lil Mama, Lyfe Jennings and Case, and has also been featured on the Steve Harvey Show and Sony's M-On TV with Japanese Recording Artist The RAMPAGE.
His music can also be found on the soundtracks for Aniplex Japan and the anime “Tokyo 24th Ward.”
Kohei is equally known for his emceeing prowess and is the official host of the East Coast's largest Japanese street fare - Japan Fes - as well as J-Anime Night.
As a IFA United Nations NGO-OCCAM International Ambassador-Singer, Kohei encourages cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
photo courtesy of Okinawa MICE NAVI
RYUKYU MATSURI DAIKO
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko translates to Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Drums.
Performances are characterized by unique choreography, which incorporates Karate kata into Eisa with dynamic Bachi (drum sticks) movements.
Eisa (Okinawan: エイサーEisaa) is a form of folk dance originating from the Okinawan Islands, which were once known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Eisa is a celebratory dance that is performed by young people of each community during the Obon festival to honor the spirits of their ancestors and is considered an important part of Okinawan culture.
The group is exploring and preserving Okinawan culture through the art and the spirit of taiko.
photo by Thomas Dwyer
CLEMENTS HIGH SCHOOL YOSAKOI CLUB
Yosakoi is a type of dance that originated in Kochi Prefecture in southern Japan. It combines traditional and modern song and dance. and is iconic for its use of naruko, wooden clappers held in the hands.
The Clements Yosakoi Club was established in 2009, and performs at several events throughout the year.