KASA/MIX 2008

I was lucky enough to accompany the KASA/MIX tour last September. I’d like to express my thanks to Toni Yagami, Chie Otsuka, Crissy Sato, Kodo instructors, and staff and apprentices at Kodo’s Apprentice Centre on Sado Island. And thank you to our wonderful participants from North America, Canada, Australia and Germany. Everything came together to make this a trip that we will all remember for the things we learned and saw, but most importantly for the friendship and family that was created in 10 days! It was truly an experience “in the moment” that we will all cherish forever.

2008 KASA Workshop Tour with Hanayui and Kaoru --February-March

We were so fortunate to have Kodo's spectacular sister company- principal dancer Chieko Kojima, breathtaking singer Yoko Fujimoto, and superb Okinawan dance master Mitsue Kinjo. With special guest, Kaoru Watanabe, it was a fabulous tour of workshops and concerts featuring traditional folk songs, dances, taiko, fue and so much more. Thank you to Yumi Ishihara for her tremendous work as technical director and road manager -- we couldn't have done it without her!

Thank you to presenters, hosts, volunteers, and audiences who participated in the success of this year’s tour. We especially thank the Regional Taiko Groups in Seattle; Pacific University in Forest Grove, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles; Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda, San Jose Taiko, and Portland Taiko.  In addition, much appreciation to Ashland Taiko, Tucson’s Odaiko Sonora, and Fushicho Daiko in Phoenix for hosting Yoko and her Voice Circle workshop.
Chieko, Mitsue, and Yoko.
Seattle workshop learning Yamada
Hanya Bushi.
2007 North American Taiko Conference, Seattle
 It was great fun! If you participated in the KasaBayashi workshop, see the attached Kasabayashi standard sheet of the taiko and fue parts, courtesy of the composer, Kaoru Watanabe.

If you were lucky enough to catch the screening of "Amaterasu" and would like to read about the background of the production between Kodo and Tamasaburo Bando, see the attached two articles from Kodo Beat: 1 & 2 .

2007 KASA Workshop Tour with Chieko Kojima and Kaoru Watanabe
Thank you very much to all the taiko groups, home-stay hosts, participants, friends, helpers, audience members - for making this workshop and concert tour a great success and so much fun! Along the way we made new friends in Honolulu, Maui, Southern California, Northern California, St. Louis, Minneapolis, New York, Stony Brook, Connecticut, and Washington DC areas. Thank you all for your tremendous hospitality and enthusiasm.

Thank you to Chieko Kojima and Kaoru Watanabe for gracing us with their wonderful spirit and generosity in sharing their expertise and knowledge.

Kasuga Onigumi Interview: Demon Dancers and drummers from Sado Island
At the 2005 North American Taiko Conference, KASA and Kodo sponsored workshops, lecture and demonstrations of this ancient performing art native to Sado Island. Learn more about the group, their fascinating history, and their experience and impressions of North American taiko in an interview by KASA board member Daniel Rosen.
KASA/MIX 2005 Summary and Photos
The KASA/MIX tour to Sado Island and Tokyo was an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved. See KASA/MIX 2005 for summary and photos.
We can't do it without you!
KASA program director Donna Ebata looks forward to hearing from everyone who can donate time and/or make financial contributions to help make the KASA dream a reality.