The event will be held on March 10, 2012 at Novi Middle School. The concert begins at 7:30 PM.

From 1:00-4:00PM at the East Hall Math Atrium on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Free and open to the public, families welcome.

Flyer available here.

Raion Taiko is a spectacular group that brings out the true thunderous sound of the traditional instrument. To achieve the proper rhythmic sound, the performer must be timely and physically prepared for the instrument. In the 60-minute performance, you will hear and feel the sound of various types of Taiko drums. You will submit yourself to the power and energy that the performers put into capturing the sound from the drum.

Admission is a $5 donation/person, paid on day of event. All proceeds to go to Japan Relief.

Doors to open at 6:30, there will be booths open and you can:

-Get your name written in Japanese.
-Get your favorite kanji character written.
-Learn origami.
-Learn about JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching).

For more information, contact: Faye Valtadoros, Japanese teacher, Clarkston High School – (248)623-3759.

Brought to you by Clarkston High School Japanese Club, Great Lakes JET Alumni Association, and the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit.

“While the overall situation in Japan is improving since the March 11thearthquake and tsunami, there are still many challenges that must be faced in the coming months and years. It is very difficult to find the words to express how deeply moving and greatly appreciated the response to this devastating earthquake has been. Events such as this taiko drum fundraising concert truly exemplify the kindness and generosity of the people in Michigan. The continued support from Japan’s friends around the world is what has truly kept the victims of the disaster motivated to pull through and rebuild during this hard time.”

-Kuninori Matsuda, Consul General of Japan in Detroit

“Kodo unites high-energy percussion, elegant music, dance, and the striking physical prowess needed to sustain a precise yet powerful sound” (Los Angeles Examiner). The group will be showcasing songs from their new album, Akatsuki and the debut of drummer Kenta Nakagome on the group’s hallmark giant drum, the 900-pound o-daiko. Shamisen, koto, and kokyu (traditional Japanese fiddle) complement the percussive force of taiko, revealing the versatility of Japanese tradition and the performers who honor it.

From 1:00-4:00PM at the East Hall Math Atrium on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Free and open to the public, families welcome.

Flyer available here.

Program Schedule

 
Exhibition | Artfully Adorned: The Japanese Kimono

March 5-April 26 from 9:00AM-5:00PM, also Evening Performances
Bertha Krueger Reid Exhibition Hall, Free

Discover how the exquisite patterns and lush colors on Japanese kimonos are created in this exhibition of Japan’s national dress. Artfully Adorned showcases the motifs and techniques – still done entirely by hand – that have inspired everything from architecture to modern couture. From painting and stenciling to embroidery and brocade, see close-up these remarkable works of fashion that are also breathtaking works of art.

Gallery Talk | Motifs in Kimono design

Thursday, April 1 @ 7:00PM, Free

The Artfully Adorned exhibition features many kimonos from Etta Hesselink’s private collection. Join her as she gives participants a tour of the exhibit and discusses key motifs commonly used in Kimono design.

Workshop for Adults | Aikido class

Tuesday evenings April 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 7:00–8:30PM
$40.00 for 4-Week Session

Whether you’re interested in engaging exercise, safety techniques, or learning about this Japanese martial art form, you won’t want to miss this 4-week class. Dave Mata from the Kyoseikan Dojo Aikido Program is committed to maintaining the highest standards of Aikido instruction and training. He will offer students a traditional Aikido training experience including “empty hand” techniques, defense against armed attackers, and multiple person attacks. Try this dynamic “about it” and “do it” class!

Workshop for Adults | From the Palace to the Farm: Japanese Poetry for the Masses

Monday, April 12 @ 7:00PM, Free

Jeremy Robinson assistant professor of Japanese at Grand Valley State University shares the fascinating story of how the centuries old “shared writing” form, Renga, gave birth to the popular Haiku form. What was initially an elite form of writing was gradually taken over by a more common culture and ultimately won a much broader (indeed global) audience. Learn about the “super heroes” of early Haiku (still revered today) and experience some of Japan’s greatest examples of this simple but sublime literary form.

Public Presentation | Antiques Road Show: Japan

Tuesday, April 13 @ 7:00PM, Free

Get ready for Antiques Roadshow: Japan with your host David Pepper, owner of Okame Japanese Antiques in Windsor, Ontario. Mr. Pepper begins with an overview of the major themes in Japanese art then evaluates your Japanese antiques and collectibles. Will lost treasures come to light? Join us for this educational and entertaining evening. ($4 per item or $10 for 3 items fee for appraisals)

Performance | Notable Pages presentation of “Kamishibai Man”

Thursday, April 15 @ 7:00PM, Free

Presented by children participating in this program from the Saugatuck/Douglas District Library, this performance tells the traditional Japanese tale of the kamishibai man who pedaled his bicycle into town, clapping wooden blocks together to begin his presentation. Like moths to a flame, children gather from all directions, clamoring to buy the candies that the kamishibai man sells and hear his latest tale.

Workshop for Adults | Sake Tasting Workshop

Friday April 16 from 7:00-9:00PM, $40.00

Instructor Jim Warren shares the history of Japan’s famous fermented rice alcohol and discusses how to drink –and evaluate–sake. Participants get to sample a series of sakes and understand how each gets its differing flavors, scents, and textures.

Workshop for Adults | Composing Japanese Poetry: Renga and Haiku

Saturday, April 17 from 1:00-4:00PM, $30.00

Jeremy Robinson assistant professor of Japanese at Grand Valley State University continues his discussion of Japanese poetry with this hands on workshop. Understand how the “linked verse” Renga was composed, including the opening verses – or Haiku. Then work on your own Haiku pieces.

“About It!” Lecture | From Kurosawa to Anime: Stars of Japanese Cinema

Thursday, April 22 @ 7:00PM, Free

Professor Peggy Goetz (Calvin College) presents a fascinating look at iconic Japanese films that not only defined the nation’s cinematic history but also influenced generations of filmmakers around the globe. Prof. Goetz focuses on three major filmmakers, Mizoguchi, Yasujiro Ozu, and Akira Kurosawa, and also explores the modern phenomenon of anime (Japanese animation). Prof. Goetz also discusses the current batch of Japanese horror films that are making their mark around the world.

Workshop for Adults | The Ritual of Kimono Dressing

Saturday, April 24 from 10:00AM-12:00PM, $35

Professor Kimiko Gunji reveals the beauty, complexity, and mystery of Japan’s national outfit. Traditionally kimonos are made from a single bolt of fabric called a tan – and the entire bolt is used to make one kimono. The finished kimono has only four main pieces of fabric—two panels covering the body and two panels forming the sleeves. Prof. Gunji demonstrates the artistic ritual involved in putting on and wearing a kimono and discusses the variety of kimonos Japanese men and women traditionally wore throughout their lives.

Workshop for Adults | Tea Ceremony

Saturday, April 24 from 1:00-3:00PM, $40

Prof. Kimiko Gunji shares “the Way of Tea,” which is the ceremonial preparation and presentation of tea. Whether you are a tea lover, interested in Zen Buddhism (which strongly influenced the tea ceremony), or intrigued by Japanese rituals, don’t miss this opportunity to watch a tea ceremony unfold and participate in the artful performance.

Public Performance | Nagata Shachu Japanese Drumming Ensemble

Saturday, April 24 @ 8:00PM, $35 Adults / $10 Students

Based in Toronto, Canada, the group has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko.