On the morning of July 31, 2026, Fuji Japanese Music, Inc. had the privilege of introducing the world of ohayashi — traditional Japanese Hayashi percussion — to 50 children at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute’s (GVJCI) Tanoshii Fun Camp, a week-long summer day camp for youth ages 7 to 10.
A Story Nearly 900 Years Old
Founder and Artistic Director Mariko Watabe (stage name Katada Kimisen) opened the session with the legend behind Hinazuru Sanbanso, a piece rooted in a story that dates back almost 900 years. According to tradition, after years of flooding and famine, Lord Fujiwara no Tadamichi built Kasuga Shrine in Nara and prayed for relief. A god appeared in the form of an old man beneath an ancient pine tree and danced — and prosperity returned to the land. The stomping (to strengthen the earth) and bell-ringing (representing rice) from that sacred dance became part of the Noh piece Okina, and by the Edo period had been woven into Kabuki, accompanied by the shamisen.
Hands-On with the Kotsuzumi
After hearing the story, the children experienced the rhythm themselves — clapping and calling out “Iyaa! Ho!” together before taking turns, five at a time, striking the kotsuzumi hand drum. Many of the children come from Japanese American families with limited exposure to Japanese language or culture, making this hands-on introduction especially meaningful.
The workshop was made possible through the generous participation of:
- Yasoyo Kineya (Takako Osumi) — shamisen
- Etsuko Yokota (stage name Kakuya Bando) — vocals
- Keiko Hashimoto — kotsuzumi instruction assistance
- Haruka Kawabata and the team at Gardena Valley JCI, who made this opportunity possible
Looking Ahead
Workshops like this one are at the heart of our mission: giving children the chance to experience Japan’s classical performing arts — traditions found nowhere else in the world — while they’re young, so that curiosity and connection can take root early.
We’re continuing to build on this momentum. On August 23 (Sunday), 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, we welcome Grand Master Kisaku Katada IV, visiting from Japan, for a special ohayashi concert at Rafu Chuo Gakuen Japanese School (204 N. Saratoga St., Los Angeles, CA 90033). Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and we welcome anyone interested in learning more about ohayashi to reach out.
Interested in lessons, or want to learn more about upcoming events? Contact us at fujijapanesemusic@gmail.com.
On the morning of July 31, 2026, Fuji Japanese Music, Inc. had the privilege of introducing the world of ohayashi — traditional Japanese festival percussion — to 50 children at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute’s (GVJCI) Tanoshii Fun Camp, a week-long summer day camp for youth ages 7 to 10.
A Story Nearly 900 Years Old
Founder and Artistic Director Mariko Watabe (stage name Katada Kimisen) opened the session with the legend behind Hinazuru Sanbanso, a piece rooted in a story that dates back almost 900 years. According to tradition, after years of flooding and famine, Lord Fujiwara no Tadamichi built Kasuga Shrine in Nara and prayed for relief. A god appeared in the form of an old man beneath an ancient pine tree and danced — and prosperity returned to the land. The stomping (to strengthen the earth) and bell-ringing (representing rice) from that sacred dance became part of the Noh piece Okina, and by the Edo period had been woven into Kabuki, accompanied by the shamisen.
Hands-On with the Kotsuzumi
After hearing the story, the children experienced the rhythm themselves — clapping and calling out “Iyaa! Ho!” together before taking turns, five at a time, striking the kotsuzumi hand drum. Many of the children come from Japanese American families with limited exposure to Japanese language or culture, making this hands-on introduction especially meaningful.
The workshop was made possible through the generous participation of:
- Yasoyo Kineya (Takako Osumi) — shamisen
- Etsuko Yokota (stage name Kakuya Bando) — vocals
- Keiko Hashimoto — kotsuzumi instruction assistance
- Haruka Kawabata and the team at Gardena Valley JCI, who made this opportunity possible
Looking Ahead
Workshops like this one are at the heart of our mission: giving children the chance to experience Japan’s classical performing arts — traditions found nowhere else in the world — while they’re young, so that curiosity and connection can take root early.
We’re continuing to build on this momentum. On August 23 (Sunday), 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, we welcome Grand Master Kisaku Katada IV, visiting from Japan, for a special ohayashi concert at Rafu Chuo Gakuen Japanese School (204 N. Saratoga St., Los Angeles, CA 90033). Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and we welcome anyone interested in learning more about ohayashi to reach out.
Interested in lessons, or want to learn more about upcoming events? Contact us at fujijapanesemusic@gmail.com.
