The Fukushima Taiko Union, comprised of over 50 drumming ensembles from the Japan prefecture of Fukushima, will present a Mahalo Concert at Lahaina Jodo Mission on Sunday, July 6, from 6-8 p.m.
The concert, titled “Mahalo Hawaii: Drums of Fukushima Sunset Concert,” is free to the public, and will feature Adatara Daiko, Atago Jindaiko Renkyo Kazagumi, Soma Nomaoi Daiko, and the all-female troupe Uneme Daiko, alongside event co-sponsor, Maui Taiko.
Following the triple disaster that befell the Töhoku region of Japan in 2011, the people of Maui united to support the thousands of people whose lives were devastated by the earthquake, tsunami, and ensuing nuclear disaster.
The “Mahalo Hawaii: Drums of Fukushima Sunset Concert” is their way of saying “thank you” to the numerous supporters who sent aid to the disaster stricken region. Presenters of the event are the Aloha Initiative Program, Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, Maui Fukushima Kenjin Kai, and Maui Taiko.
The president of the Aomori Taiko Union, along with 45 individuals representing eight groups from the Fukushima Taiko Union, will be making the trip to Maui. The tour is led by Hisakatsu Yokoyama from Futaba County, where 65,000 residents were forced to evacuate along with the 134,000 evacuated from Fukushima Prefecture.
Featured in the program will be a joint performance by Soma Nomaoi Daiko and Maui Taiko. The piece they will perform was initially taught to Maui Taiko during the group’s 2012 Maui Taiko Aloha Tour to Japan. The groups performed the piece while overlooking the Fukushima nuclear evacuation zone. It was one of many emotional and heartfelt tributes to honor those who perished or were affected by the triple disaster. During the 2012 tour, Maui Taiko shared the film “Great Grandfather’s Drum” at several screenings, toured disaster areas, participated in exchanges with communities that had been displaced or otherwise affected, and performed at numerous venues, including the prestigious Fukushima Taiko Festival, which is celebrating its 25 anniversary this year. The friendships that developed during the “Aloha Tour” inspired this “Mahalo Tour.”
Water and refreshments will be available for sale. The public is encouraged to bring folding chairs and blankets for use on the lawn. Limited seating will be available for seniors.
For additional information, contact Maui Taiko at (808) 283-9999 or taiko@mauitaiko.com.
