PUHI — The music of Zumpa Ondo worked its magic, Friday afternoon when the Regency at Puakea retirement and assisted living facility revived the popular bon dance for its staff and residents.
“This is just small kine,” said Pam Arroyo, the Regency manager. “We just wanted everyone to enjoy this, again after we’ve been shut down for the past three years. We’re just dancing around the turnaround, and the residents are all parked on the sidewalk. We’re hoping that next year we can move back to the big tree in the back of the property. This is just small steps.”
Rev. Tomo Hojo of the West Kaua‘i Hongwanji provided the traditional prayer that preclude the music and dancing.
“Today, as we gather to remember and honor our predecessors, and especially remember our recently-departed loved ones, may be also know that the bon dance in Shin Buddhism is an expression of our rejoicing in the Compassionate Embrace of Amida Buddha,” Hojo said. “Obon is also a good opportunity to confirm our family and friends relationships. We are here because of others. Thus, the Issei and Nissei generation used to use a wonderful phrase that is ‘Okagesamade.’ It means I am who I am because of you, and others. Please dance with a feeling of joy and gratitude.”
Bon dancing, or odori, was led by community dancers from the different towns using a pre-recorded menu of music, including the Zumpa Ondo. The dance leaders, including Rev. Hojo offered brief instruction prior to the start of each number, the lively Zumpa Ondo music calling people to spill onto the dance track without the need for instruction.
Punctuating the pre-recorded music, Taiko Kaua‘i and special guest performer Anju Madoka of Honolulu, and her student Chad Taniguchi punctuated the afternoon with live dance music.
“Anju is from Honolulu,” Taniguchi said. “She has a keen interest in preserving and perpetuating the traditional samisen playing, and minyo style singing. She’s looking for students, both in playing the shamisen, and in minyo singing. She does online classes for those who are interested, and her goal is to one day be able to come to Kaua‘i for in-person instruction. I do this because my mom lives here at Regency.”
