Do Ro Ka Ra Don Don Don
If you can say it, you can play it!
All of 2011
Crossroads
November 20th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
KyoDaiko was privileged to share the stage with Unidos da Filadelfia! Together, we produced 3 hours of powerful music! Exerting all of that energy for the performance didn’t stop us from getting up to dance when our Brazilian Samba friends took the stage!
KyoDaiko was privileged to share the stage with Unidos da Filadelfia! Together, we produced 3 hours of powerful music! Exerting all of that energy for the performance didn’t stop us from getting up to dance when our Brazilian Samba friends took the stage!
AARP Multicultural Ball
November 18th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
KyoDaiko represented Japanese culture at the AARP multicultural ball. There was food and entertainment representing cultures from all around the globe! There were African dancers and drummers, Filipino coconut dancers, Korean fan dancers, a Mariachi band, and much much more! Guests were dressed in their best representing their homelands. It was such a beautiful, energetic, and fun evening!
KyoDaiko represented Japanese culture at the AARP multicultural ball. There was food and entertainment representing cultures from all around the globe! There were African dancers and drummers, Filipino coconut dancers, Korean fan dancers, a Mariachi band, and much much more! Guests were dressed in their best representing their homelands. It was such a beautiful, energetic, and fun evening!
WHYY Y12K
November 12th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
It was a perfect Autumn day as Kyo Daiko performed along the route of WHYY’s Y12K race in Fairmount Park this Saturday. The racing beat of the drums helped the hearts of the runners to keep going, and with gusto! The race helps to fund the award winning public programming of WHYY, as well as community outreach.
It was a perfect Autumn day as Kyo Daiko performed along the route of WHYY’s Y12K race in Fairmount Park this Saturday. The racing beat of the drums helped the hearts of the runners to keep going, and with gusto! The race helps to fund the award winning public programming of WHYY, as well as community outreach.
TEDx Phoenixville
September 24th, 2011, Phoenixville, PA
Kyo Daiko kicked off the TEDx event by waking the audience up with some heart pounding entertainment! Speakers presented on a variety of topics, from how the brain makes labels and connections, to education in urban areas. There were even some robots that played soccer! We were honored to part of such an engaging event!
Kyo Daiko kicked off the TEDx event by waking the audience up with some heart pounding entertainment! Speakers presented on a variety of topics, from how the brain makes labels and connections, to education in urban areas. There were even some robots that played soccer! We were honored to part of such an engaging event!
West Pikeland Community Day
September 18th, 2011, Chester Springs, PA
Kyo Daiko had the pleasure of playing a full concert for West Pikeland’s Community Day. The audience was on the edge of their seats, feeling emotions ranging from excitement during Hashiru to calm and curiosity during the quiet and mysterious Sakura Sakura. After the concert, audience members were able to come up and try their hands at pounding the drums.
Kyo Daiko had the pleasure of playing a full concert for West Pikeland’s Community Day. The audience was on the edge of their seats, feeling emotions ranging from excitement during Hashiru to calm and curiosity during the quiet and mysterious Sakura Sakura. After the concert, audience members were able to come up and try their hands at pounding the drums.
Brandywine Roller Girls
September 17th, 2011, Downingtown, PA
Fasten your seat belts! It’s gonna be a wild ride! Kyo Daiko performed a halftime show for some of the roughest and toughest ladies around! And lucky for us, our performance managed to be even louder than our special roller derby costumes! The girls warmed up around us on the track, pumped up by the energy flowing from the drums. And it payed off, too! The home team was the winning team!
Fasten your seat belts! It’s gonna be a wild ride! Kyo Daiko performed a halftime show for some of the roughest and toughest ladies around! And lucky for us, our performance managed to be even louder than our special roller derby costumes! The girls warmed up around us on the track, pumped up by the energy flowing from the drums. And it payed off, too! The home team was the winning team!
Mastery Charter School
September 17th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Today we were invited to Mastery Charter School Shoemaker Branch’s block party! The smell of hot dogs and burgers filled the air while the community filled the street. There was a DJ, a choir, a martial arts demonstration, and of course, TAIKO! Between performances, everyone got together and danced in the street!
Today we were invited to Mastery Charter School Shoemaker Branch’s block party! The smell of hot dogs and burgers filled the air while the community filled the street. There was a DJ, a choir, a martial arts demonstration, and of course, TAIKO! Between performances, everyone got together and danced in the street!
WHYY Connections Festival
September 3rd, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
The Saturday Concert for the WHYY Connections festival was a hit as Kyo Daiko opened the show! Participating in the concert was Toy Soldiers, Birdie Busch, Kuf Knotz, R. Eric Thomas, The Baseball Project, Justin Townes Earle, and Dr. Dog.
The Saturday Concert for the WHYY Connections festival was a hit as Kyo Daiko opened the show! Participating in the concert was Toy Soldiers, Birdie Busch, Kuf Knotz, R. Eric Thomas, The Baseball Project, Justin Townes Earle, and Dr. Dog.
North American Taiko Conference
August 19th, 2011, Stanford, CA
What a week!!! Kyo Daiko spent the week learning all kinds of amazing new things at the 2011 North American Taiko Conference held at Stanford University in California! That’s right! Kyo Daiko’s first ever road trip! We met all kinds of amazing supportive taiko players from all over the world! It was so much fun learning everything from how to tune a shime rope drum, to new dances, and new styles of taiko! Kyo Daiko was completely honored to be able to play at Friday night’s Taiko Ten concert! You can see our performance here. There was even a group called Kagemusha that came all the way from the UK! How exciting it was to share the stage with so many talented taiko players! There was even an amazing taiko playing Gorilla! The last evening, everyone was blown away by an incredibly energetic performance at the Taiko Jam concert, featuring the Kenny Endo taiko ensemble, Inochi Taiko, Mirai Daiko, Soh Daiko, and the San Francisco Taiko Dojo. This is a trip that we will never forget, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned with everyone!
What a week!!! Kyo Daiko spent the week learning all kinds of amazing new things at the 2011 North American Taiko Conference held at Stanford University in California! That’s right! Kyo Daiko’s first ever road trip! We met all kinds of amazing supportive taiko players from all over the world! It was so much fun learning everything from how to tune a shime rope drum, to new dances, and new styles of taiko! Kyo Daiko was completely honored to be able to play at Friday night’s Taiko Ten concert! You can see our performance here. There was even a group called Kagemusha that came all the way from the UK! How exciting it was to share the stage with so many talented taiko players! There was even an amazing taiko playing Gorilla! The last evening, everyone was blown away by an incredibly energetic performance at the Taiko Jam concert, featuring the Kenny Endo taiko ensemble, Inochi Taiko, Mirai Daiko, Soh Daiko, and the San Francisco Taiko Dojo. This is a trip that we will never forget, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned with everyone!
Blue Mountain Obon Festival
August 6th, 2011, Harrisburg, PA
The Blue Mountain Lotus Society held their Obon Festival today at Tonboji Temple, and we were invited to participate. Obon is a traditional summer festival to honor our ancestors and those that have passed on before us. It is celebrated all over Japan with barbeques, taiko druming, and traditional folk dancing (Obon circle dances.) Because of the rain, the liturgy and lighting of the lanterns were held indoors. However, we lucked out and the rain subsided. We were then able to let the lanterns set sail!
The Blue Mountain Lotus Society held their Obon Festival today at Tonboji Temple, and we were invited to participate. Obon is a traditional summer festival to honor our ancestors and those that have passed on before us. It is celebrated all over Japan with barbeques, taiko druming, and traditional folk dancing (Obon circle dances.) Because of the rain, the liturgy and lighting of the lanterns were held indoors. However, we lucked out and the rain subsided. We were then able to let the lanterns set sail!
Relief Fund Ceremony
July 8th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko performed at a ceremony in which Mayor Nutter gave $230K raised for the Japanese Red Cross Society for relief aid consequential to the March Earthquake and Tsunami. Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki, Consul General of Japan in New York, was also in attendance this evening, as well as Japanese consulate officials such as Consul General Dennis Morikawa, and members of local Japanese cultural organizations. Funds were raised by local Japanese cultural organizations, known as the J7, as well as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Starr Restaurants, and Freeman’s Auction House.
Kyo Daiko performed at a ceremony in which Mayor Nutter gave $230K raised for the Japanese Red Cross Society for relief aid consequential to the March Earthquake and Tsunami. Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki, Consul General of Japan in New York, was also in attendance this evening, as well as Japanese consulate officials such as Consul General Dennis Morikawa, and members of local Japanese cultural organizations. Funds were raised by local Japanese cultural organizations, known as the J7, as well as Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Starr Restaurants, and Freeman’s Auction House.
Sendai Relief Aid
June 29th, 2011, Sendai City, Japan
Therese flew to Japan to personally deliver the Disaster Relief Funds raised by Kyo Daiko and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Sendai is considered Philadelphia’s sister city, and the earthquake and resulting tsunami that ravaged the Sendai area tugged at our heart strings. We wish all of those affected by the disaster a swift recovery.
Therese flew to Japan to personally deliver the Disaster Relief Funds raised by Kyo Daiko and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Sendai is considered Philadelphia’s sister city, and the earthquake and resulting tsunami that ravaged the Sendai area tugged at our heart strings. We wish all of those affected by the disaster a swift recovery.
Pine Wind Zen Center Priest Ordainment
June 25th, 2011, Shamong, NJ
It was a quiet, peaceful place to play taiko. We felt a special connection because Shofuso (our house in Philadelphia) means Pine Wind Villa, like the Pine Wind Zen Center. There were about 50 guests.
Congratulations to the new priestess Rev. Dr. Bankei Nora Declassis! She even joined in for some kiai! After our taiko performance, there were Taichi and Karate demonstrations. The Taichi instructor said he had a difficult time calming his energy after he saw our taiko performance! Maybe he absorbed too much kiai energy! The demonstrations were fascinating to watch.
It was a quiet, peaceful place to play taiko. We felt a special connection because Shofuso (our house in Philadelphia) means Pine Wind Villa, like the Pine Wind Zen Center. There were about 50 guests.
Congratulations to the new priestess Rev. Dr. Bankei Nora Declassis! She even joined in for some kiai! After our taiko performance, there were Taichi and Karate demonstrations. The Taichi instructor said he had a difficult time calming his energy after he saw our taiko performance! Maybe he absorbed too much kiai energy! The demonstrations were fascinating to watch.
West Park Arts Festival
June 11th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko feels privileged to have worked with young performers from School of the Future. A collaborative effort between their drum line and our taiko ensemble produced a fun, upbeat, performance. Kyo Daiko members played and danced while the drum line played along together in a rhythmic harmony that energized the audience.
Kyo Daiko feels privileged to have worked with young performers from School of the Future. A collaborative effort between their drum line and our taiko ensemble produced a fun, upbeat, performance. Kyo Daiko members played and danced while the drum line played along together in a rhythmic harmony that energized the audience.
Spectacle Gala
June 4th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko performed on Shofuso’s veranda as Spectacle Gala guests looked on from the garden. A little later in the party, drummers got party-goers to step up and try the drum. They all loved it, getting satisfaction from improvising their own rhythm on the big drum. Then all the Kyo Daiko performers gathered around for one truly fun and spontaneous one drum jam!
Kyo Daiko performed on Shofuso’s veranda as Spectacle Gala guests looked on from the garden. A little later in the party, drummers got party-goers to step up and try the drum. They all loved it, getting satisfaction from improvising their own rhythm on the big drum. Then all the Kyo Daiko performers gathered around for one truly fun and spontaneous one drum jam!
Settlement Open House
June 4th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Approximately 20 people came out today to participate in an open house workshop. Children and adults alike were able to get a taste of what playing taiko feels like! People from as far away as Maryland were in attendance!
Approximately 20 people came out today to participate in an open house workshop. Children and adults alike were able to get a taste of what playing taiko feels like! People from as far away as Maryland were in attendance!
Kyo Daiko Recital
June 3rd, 2011, Willow Grove, PA
This was an exciting night for Kyo Daiko. We demonstrated the pieces that we have been working on all year. Two new pieces were premiered as well! We played a taiko adaptation of a traditional African piece, and premiered an original composition by our director, Kris Rudzinski. The beginner’s class stepped up to the plate with two pieces they had been working on. It was a job well done. Congrats to them for their first public performance! Not only was it an exciting evening of drum performances, but we also raised $763 for Japan’s disaster relief. The funds were distributed between two organizations: The Philadelphia Japan Disaster Relief Fund and The Disaster Victim’s Relief Account of the Social Welfare Division of the Miyagi Prefectural Government in Sendai City. Thank you so very much to all who contributed. Arigatou gozaimasu.
This was an exciting night for Kyo Daiko. We demonstrated the pieces that we have been working on all year. Two new pieces were premiered as well! We played a taiko adaptation of a traditional African piece, and premiered an original composition by our director, Kris Rudzinski. The beginner’s class stepped up to the plate with two pieces they had been working on. It was a job well done. Congrats to them for their first public performance! Not only was it an exciting evening of drum performances, but we also raised $763 for Japan’s disaster relief. The funds were distributed between two organizations: The Philadelphia Japan Disaster Relief Fund and The Disaster Victim’s Relief Account of the Social Welfare Division of the Miyagi Prefectural Government in Sendai City. Thank you so very much to all who contributed. Arigatou gozaimasu.
Asian American Heritage Festival
May 21st, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Adorable children dancing and doing karate can be a tough act to follow, but a quartet of Kyo Daiko ladies managed to pull it off at the Asian and Pacific Heritage Festival in Franklin Square. Our reward was a spicy Korean bulgogi lunch from Philly’s #1 Korean food truck, while we watched the other groups perform. This year’s festival included a rather large number of traditional Asian drum dances. We may have to step up our game!
Adorable children dancing and doing karate can be a tough act to follow, but a quartet of Kyo Daiko ladies managed to pull it off at the Asian and Pacific Heritage Festival in Franklin Square. Our reward was a spicy Korean bulgogi lunch from Philly’s #1 Korean food truck, while we watched the other groups perform. This year’s festival included a rather large number of traditional Asian drum dances. We may have to step up our game!
Children's Day
May 2nd-4th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko visited the Horticultural Center to perform for a sea of attentive children. This event was hosted by our affiliate, the Shofuso Japanese House. For three days, Shofuso hosted a series of Children’s Days where they were able to learn about Japanese Culture.
Kyo Daiko visited the Horticultural Center to perform for a sea of attentive children. This event was hosted by our affiliate, the Shofuso Japanese House. For three days, Shofuso hosted a series of Children’s Days where they were able to learn about Japanese Culture.
PIFA Street Fair
April 30th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
The Avenue of the Arts was transformed into a street fair today with artwork, performances galore, and tons of food! This major event was part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Kyo Daiko performed in front of the Kimmel Center in the middle of a crowded street. Someone tried to leave a tip (as is common to do for street performers). However, Kyo Daiko is not used to this sort of venue and one member thought “Oh no! He dropped his money!”
The Avenue of the Arts was transformed into a street fair today with artwork, performances galore, and tons of food! This major event was part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Kyo Daiko performed in front of the Kimmel Center in the middle of a crowded street. Someone tried to leave a tip (as is common to do for street performers). However, Kyo Daiko is not used to this sort of venue and one member thought “Oh no! He dropped his money!”
Phillies Game
April 29th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
We had a blast at the Phillies game this evening! The Phillies were celebrating Asian Heritage Month so Kyo Daiko was invited to perform on the field. PJ, from San Jose Taiko, even joined us for the game!!! We missed Dollar Dog Night this year, but it was worth it when we saw Ryan Howard hit that Grand Slam!!! GO PHILS!
We had a blast at the Phillies game this evening! The Phillies were celebrating Asian Heritage Month so Kyo Daiko was invited to perform on the field. PJ, from San Jose Taiko, even joined us for the game!!! We missed Dollar Dog Night this year, but it was worth it when we saw Ryan Howard hit that Grand Slam!!! GO PHILS!
Workshop with PJ
April 23rd, 2011, Narberth, PA
PJ from San Jose Taiko came out to help us improve our taiko skills. She wanted to try a new workshop. In her words “it involves matsuri-esque spirit --- to uplift players and audience (movement, catchy ji, kakegoe, endless polyrhythmic possibilities).”
Thank you, PJ, for visiting us! Also, a special thanks to Pastor Lydia for allowing us to rehearse at United Methodist Church in Narberth.
PJ from San Jose Taiko came out to help us improve our taiko skills. She wanted to try a new workshop. In her words “it involves matsuri-esque spirit --- to uplift players and audience (movement, catchy ji, kakegoe, endless polyrhythmic possibilities).”
Thank you, PJ, for visiting us! Also, a special thanks to Pastor Lydia for allowing us to rehearse at United Methodist Church in Narberth.
Maido!
April 2nd, 2011, Narberth, PA
Today we were street performers! Maido, the home of some very delicious japanese foods, had invited us to play some tasty rhythms at a food tasting event. Children and “Inner-children” alike got to try their hands at playing taiko, as well! It was a fun family day.
Today we were street performers! Maido, the home of some very delicious japanese foods, had invited us to play some tasty rhythms at a food tasting event. Children and “Inner-children” alike got to try their hands at playing taiko, as well! It was a fun family day.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 26th, 2011, Washington, DC
Kyo Daiko took a road trip to Washington, DC this weekend to perform for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Many MANY thanks to Sue and Kate (the stage managers) for making the magic happen. The cherry blossoms were absolutely beautiful in the sunlight. And even though it was VERY cold out, we kept warm from the energy created by our drumming! What a fun and exciting day!
Kyo Daiko took a road trip to Washington, DC this weekend to perform for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Many MANY thanks to Sue and Kate (the stage managers) for making the magic happen. The cherry blossoms were absolutely beautiful in the sunlight. And even though it was VERY cold out, we kept warm from the energy created by our drumming! What a fun and exciting day!
Rosemont Workshop
March 25th, 2011, Rosemont, PA
The 7th graders at Rosemont School of the Holy Child were learning about Japan in their classes, and their creative teachers decided to immerse them in some Japanese culture! The students spent many hours today learning to drum taiko style, chanting a song, and learning a dance! At the end of the day, they put on a performance for an audience of very curious 1st graders.
The 7th graders at Rosemont School of the Holy Child were learning about Japan in their classes, and their creative teachers decided to immerse them in some Japanese culture! The students spent many hours today learning to drum taiko style, chanting a song, and learning a dance! At the end of the day, they put on a performance for an audience of very curious 1st graders.
A Gift from Japan
March 18th, 2011 Tokyo, Japan
Message from Kyo Daiko member, Tamiko.
Dear Taiko Friends,
My friend in Tokyo, Hachijo Taiko “Hanamizuki (Dogwood)” run by Kanako and Terutami Yokoi, sent us omiyage from Hachijo Island last Saturday, including the kimono cookies I brought to practice tonight. I appreciate their thoughtfulness at this difficult time in Japan. I hope that they can all return to normal lives soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6d3Ii_JZs8
Tamiko
Message from Kyo Daiko member, Tamiko.
Dear Taiko Friends,
My friend in Tokyo, Hachijo Taiko “Hanamizuki (Dogwood)” run by Kanako and Terutami Yokoi, sent us omiyage from Hachijo Island last Saturday, including the kimono cookies I brought to practice tonight. I appreciate their thoughtfulness at this difficult time in Japan. I hope that they can all return to normal lives soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6d3Ii_JZs8
Tamiko
Nihongo Philacon
March 12th, 2011, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Sumimasen, will this be on the exam? Kyo Daiko presented a taiko challenge to the students and teachers participating in Nihongo Philacon, a Japanese language convention. The students cheered their teachers on as they stepped up to the challenges given to them by the local taiko ensemble! During a Q&A, a student asked about our red hachimaki. Tamiko responded that the red color is believed to protect us from evil and demonic spirits, and also represents success, value, and victory. And coincidentally, we are also Phillies fans!
Sumimasen, will this be on the exam? Kyo Daiko presented a taiko challenge to the students and teachers participating in Nihongo Philacon, a Japanese language convention. The students cheered their teachers on as they stepped up to the challenges given to them by the local taiko ensemble! During a Q&A, a student asked about our red hachimaki. Tamiko responded that the red color is believed to protect us from evil and demonic spirits, and also represents success, value, and victory. And coincidentally, we are also Phillies fans!
Heart of the Dragon
February 5th, 2011, Lancaster, PA
Kyo Daiko put the BEAT in heartbeat at the American Heart Association of Lancaster’s Heartbeat of the Dragon gala on February 5th. Fueled by chili and cheese tater tots from Sonic and lots of road trip laughs, June, Cathi, Ana, and Therese wowed the good-looking crowd at the Lancaster Country Club. Big thanks to our one-man road trip pit crew, Tim Desmond, for hooking us up with a nice clean truck and plenty of water for our little journey out west!
Kyo Daiko put the BEAT in heartbeat at the American Heart Association of Lancaster’s Heartbeat of the Dragon gala on February 5th. Fueled by chili and cheese tater tots from Sonic and lots of road trip laughs, June, Cathi, Ana, and Therese wowed the good-looking crowd at the Lancaster Country Club. Big thanks to our one-man road trip pit crew, Tim Desmond, for hooking us up with a nice clean truck and plenty of water for our little journey out west!
Maintenance Night
February 2nd, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Kyo Daiko pulled back on the gears a little bit this evening to stop for a maintenance night. Fixing stands, re-taping practice tires, sanding bachi, and more replaced the usual rehearsing and practicing. Not only is getting together and bonding over the care of your equipment a great team building experience, it tastes great too! That is, thanks to all who participated in the pot luck dinner that was provided for everyone this evening. Mmmmm.... takoyaki!
Kyo Daiko pulled back on the gears a little bit this evening to stop for a maintenance night. Fixing stands, re-taping practice tires, sanding bachi, and more replaced the usual rehearsing and practicing. Not only is getting together and bonding over the care of your equipment a great team building experience, it tastes great too! That is, thanks to all who participated in the pot luck dinner that was provided for everyone this evening. Mmmmm.... takoyaki!
Rhythm Rhomp
January 16th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
The Please Touch Museum at Fairmount Park was the place to be on January 16th. It is a special place where curious kids are allowed to get up close and personal with a variety of different subjects. Today’s special subject was drumming! The children got to experience the feel and the sounds of taiko drums with the help of Kyo Daiko. The group also performed two mini concerts throughout the day.
The Please Touch Museum at Fairmount Park was the place to be on January 16th. It is a special place where curious kids are allowed to get up close and personal with a variety of different subjects. Today’s special subject was drumming! The children got to experience the feel and the sounds of taiko drums with the help of Kyo Daiko. The group also performed two mini concerts throughout the day.
Kotoricon
January 15th, 2011, Sewell, NJ
Once again, Kyo Daiko drummed up some excitement, this time for quite an array of characters! It was Gloucester County College’s KOTORICON! This event celebrates an appreciation for japanese styled cartoons, called “anime”. The enthusiastic attendees participated in the entertainment, spontaneously turning the piece Eijanaika into a jam session that everyone could be involved in! It was quite a surprise to Kyo Daiko, but a VERY pleasant and exciting one!
Once again, Kyo Daiko drummed up some excitement, this time for quite an array of characters! It was Gloucester County College’s KOTORICON! This event celebrates an appreciation for japanese styled cartoons, called “anime”. The enthusiastic attendees participated in the entertainment, spontaneously turning the piece Eijanaika into a jam session that everyone could be involved in! It was quite a surprise to Kyo Daiko, but a VERY pleasant and exciting one!
JAGP New Year's Party
January 9th, 2011, Philadelphia, PA
Finally, an excuse to give people bunny ears! We are celebrating the year of the rabbit. What better way to ring in the new year than with taiko drumming?! Kyo Daiko made yet another appearance at one of our favorite venues of the year, the Japanese Associate of Greater Philadelphia’s New Year’s Party! Motchi, sake, and this year, even some takoyaki filled people’s bellies while people celebrated the New Year in all sorts of ways. Children had their faces painted like bunnies, the Lion dancer blessed everyone, and people tested their new good fortune by participating in a raffle. Speaking of which, super congratulations to KyoDaiko performer, Cathi, who won the grand prize: a round trip to Japan! Have a great New Year everyone!
Finally, an excuse to give people bunny ears! We are celebrating the year of the rabbit. What better way to ring in the new year than with taiko drumming?! Kyo Daiko made yet another appearance at one of our favorite venues of the year, the Japanese Associate of Greater Philadelphia’s New Year’s Party! Motchi, sake, and this year, even some takoyaki filled people’s bellies while people celebrated the New Year in all sorts of ways. Children had their faces painted like bunnies, the Lion dancer blessed everyone, and people tested their new good fortune by participating in a raffle. Speaking of which, super congratulations to KyoDaiko performer, Cathi, who won the grand prize: a round trip to Japan! Have a great New Year everyone!
