LIHUE — Sponsored by the Hawaii Minyo-Buyo Association in cooperation with the Japan Minyo-Buyo Renmei, the USA-Japan Minyo Cultural Exchange Festival took place on Kauai over the weekend. Todd Takahashi of Honolulu said the festival brings together minyo dance groups
LIHUE — Sponsored by the Hawaii Minyo-Buyo Association in cooperation with the Japan Minyo-Buyo Renmei, the USA-Japan Minyo Cultural Exchange Festival took place on Kauai over the weekend.
Todd Takahashi of Honolulu said the festival brings together minyo dance groups from around the country and Japan to learn from Japanese instructors as well as each other.
“Our farthest group comes from Minnesota, and we have groups here from California, and other states,” Takahashi said. “Additionally, we have minyo groups from Oahu and Maui coming to Kauai. This is the first time we have had everything take place on Kauai.”
Pearl Shimizu of the Kauai East Minyo Kai said the groups gather each year, but it’s usually on Oahu. The festival included performances at the Kukui Grove Center, workshops, and a gala at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.
