Cultural Communities: Japan
Suzuyuki-Kai
Suzuyuki-Kai was established in Tucson in 1984. The group has been performing for TMY for 35+ years. We perform at various cultural events and offer workshops throughout Arizona to share Japanese cultures to audiences in this diverse communities.
Chieko “Chi” Nakano
Chieko “Chi” Nakano is a lecturer in East Asian Studies at the University of Arizona. She teaches the art of origami every year at Tucson Meet Yourself. Origami, or the Japanese art of paper folding, is said to have a history of more than a thousand years. Making origami is something all Japanese girls—and most … Read more
Odaiko Sonora
Odaiko Sonora is Tucson’s Japanese taiko ensemble drumming group. “Taiko” is the word for drum in Japanese, and the ensemble is known for its high-energy performances. Formed in 2002, the group has been a TMY favorite, bringing drumming, song, and folk dance in the taiko tradition to the festival. The group was founded and is … Read more