Oregon Rises Above Hate Free Admission Day

Saturday, May 2, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland, OR

Join Takohachi for a powerful taiko ensemble performance as part of Lan Su Chinese Garden’s free community celebration in partnership with Oregon Rises Above Hate (ORAH).

Experience the thunderous energy of Japanese taiko drumming in the stunning setting of Lan Su’s classical garden — a fitting meeting of cultural traditions rooted in community, resilience, and joy.

Admission is FREE — no tickets required. Doors open at noon with cultural performances and AANHPI community resources throughout the afternoon.

Part of the annual Oregon Rises Above Hate gathering, celebrating the strength and diversity of the AANHPI community.

We are delighted to offer a special cultural experience for Portland Japanese Garden volunteers: a live performance and hands‑on workshop led by Yumi Torimaru, founder of Takohachi and Kotori Kai Shamisen.

The program begins with a musical performance featuring Tsugaru shamisen and shinobue, showcasing the vibrant energy and expressive sound of these traditional Japanese instruments. Following the performance, volunteers are invited to participate in a beginner‑friendly shinobue workshop, where Yumi will introduce the history, cultural background, and playing techniques of the Japanese bamboo flute.

This workshop is offered exclusively to Garden volunteers.

This is for Yoshida Cup, Karate competition.

Experience Japanese Culture through the Unique Sounds of MAIDO MIND, a captivating duo of Yumi Torimaru (shinobue and tsugaru shamisen) and Nozomi Imade (piano and voice), will introduce you to Japanese culture through their music. With a fascinating blend of instruments, MAIDO MIND is a must-see at the stunning Portland Japanese Garden.

This year marks Maido Mind’s 5th season performing at the Portland Japanese Garden, and our musical journey continues to grow in exciting ways. What began as an intimate duo of shinobue and piano/voice has now expanded with the addition of Tsugaru shamisen to our repertoire. With this new direction, Nozomi is also embracing the challenge of min’yō singing, bringing even more depth and color to our sound. We’re thrilled to share this evolving musical palette with Garden visitors and to keep exploring new possibilities together.

Their performance usually consists of two sets: the first begins at 1:15 p.m., and the second starts after a brief 10‑minute intermission.

Details TBD

Free Event~!

The event will take place at the Putnam University Center. There is a standard parking lot right next to it (in front of the Hatfield Library and Sparks Athletic Center).

The City of Gresham lists the Yozakura Cherry Blossom Festival as a free evening event held at:

• Main City Park / Gresham Japanese Garden

• 219 S. Main Ave., Gresham, OR

• March 29, 2025, 7–11 PM

The festival features:

• Illumination of 12 mature Akebono cherry trees on Ebetsu Plaza

• Nighttime viewing of the blossoms (“Yozakura”)

• Live music performances (currently listed: Takohachi Q Ensemble on March 28, Oregon Koto Kai on March 29 & April 5)

• Free admission

Details TBD

Takohachi will celebrate Obukan Judo’s 100th Anniversary to open their 70th Annual Tournament.

Details TBD

Experience Japanese Culture through the Unique Sounds of MAIDO MIND, a captivating duo of Yumi Torimaru (shinobue and tsugaru shamisen) and Nozomi Imade (piano and voice), will introduce you to Japanese culture through their music. With a fascinating blend of instruments, MAIDO MIND is a must-see at the stunning Portland Japanese Garden.

This year marks Maido Mind’s 5th season performing at the Portland Japanese Garden, and our musical journey continues to grow in exciting ways. What began as an intimate duo of shinobue and piano/voice has now expanded with the addition of Tsugaru shamisen to our repertoire. With this new direction, Nozomi is also embracing the challenge of min’yō singing, bringing even more depth and color to our sound. We’re thrilled to share this evolving musical palette with Garden visitors and to keep exploring new possibilities together.

Their performance usually consists of two sets: the first begins at 1:15 p.m., and the second starts after a brief 10‑minute intermission.

Not open for public

Kotori Kai Shamisen Ensemble will celebrate Hinamatsuri at the Portland Japanese Garden with a pair of beautiful live performances. Enjoy two sets of music at 10:45–11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. as the Garden welcomes the arrival of spring.

Kotori Kai Shamisen School was established by Yumi Torimaru (Kotori Oyama) and backed by TAKOHACHI in 2023. This school focuses on Tsugaru-style Shamisen, providing a variety of compositions ranging from traditional to contemporary to original pieces. Immerse yourself in the enchanting and remarkable melodies of this distinct stringed instrument.

*This is a school event, not open to the public.

Experience Japanese Culture through the Unique Sounds of MAIDO MIND, a captivating duo of Yumi Torimaru (shinobue) and Nozomi Imade (piano and voice), will introduce you to Japanese culture through their music. With a fascinating blend of instruments, MAIDO MIND is a must-see at the stunning Portland Japanese Garden.

Their performance usually consists of two sets: the first begins at 1:15 p.m., and the second starts after a brief 10‑minute intermission.

TAKOHACHI will join the Taiko Gathering hosted by Ahiru Daiko at University of Oregon. Go Duck!

Details TBD

Let’s celebrate the New Year with the Richmond Elementary School community! Takohachi will be performing as part of this joyful event, which also features a variety of Japanese‑themed activities for families to enjoy. Come welcome the new year with music, culture, and fun for all ages.

The event will take place from 2–5 p.m., with further information to be provided by the organizer. Takohachi is expected to perform near the conclusion of the event, around 4 p.m., for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Takohachi’s Youth Ensemble will take the stage during the second set of Orchestra NOVA Northwest’s El Espectacular concert with an original piece by Yumi Torimaru. Their song, “Sora no Tori,” soars with the powerful rhythms of taiko, the bright voice of the shinobue bamboo flute, and the vibrant strings of the Tsugaru shamisen. Tickets are sold by NOVA.

Takohachi Q Ensemble will welcome the New Year with music at JASO’s ShiNenKai! Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve yours sooner rather than later from JASO’s website.

Experience Japanese Culture through the Unique Sounds of MAIDO MIND, a captivating duo of Yumi Torimaru (shinobue) and Nozomi Imade (piano and voice), will introduce you to Japanese culture through their music. With a fascinating blend of instruments, MAIDO MIND is a must-see at the stunning Portland Japanese Garden.

Their performance usually consists of two sets: the first begins at 1:15 p.m., and the second starts after a brief 10‑minute intermission.

This is a school-based event in Portland, Oregon and not open to the general public. Still, we’re thrilled to share Japanese culture through music as we welcome the New Year together!

FREE Tickets at HERE

🎉 Doors open at 2:45 pm—come early and enjoy all the pre-show fun before we begin at 3:30 pm!

🌟 Browse our fantastic raffle prizes, generously donated by local businesses and community supporters.

🏞️ Don’t miss the silent auction for a stay at Grand South Lodge—it's a special highlight!

🍿 The theater offers drinks and snacks for purchase, so feel free to treat yourself while enjoying the show.

Our blossoming relationship with Clinton Street Theater is the perfect segue into the topic of our recital. KotoriKai Shamisen School along with TAKOHACHI, MAIDO MIND, and Tako X will present a full program that will include our creme de la creme pieces of this year. We have been working hard in 2025 and can't wait to show you our best and most refined works. This will also include Minyo singing and Bon Odori dancing. Finally, we will be presenting a ballad by Kodo that is new to us. (Please read more about that in the article below.) For the admission, we are suggesting a donation of $20 for individuals, $10 for students, and $40 for families - but we will not turn anyone away for lack of funds. We keep our activities accessible for our community! In addition, we’ll be hosting a silent auction and raffle. Our community contributors have generously donated some fantastic items, and we are so excited to share them with everyone! Please arrive early to participate!

MAIDO MIND - the musical duo of Yumi Torimaru, multi-instrumentalist and director of TAKOHACHI/Kotori Kai Shamisen school, and Nozomi Imade, pianist and vocalist from Nozomi Music School based in Sherwood, OR - consistently charm and entrance audiences with their wide variety of selections with Shinobue Bamboo Flute and Piano/ Voice.

MAIDO MIND - the musical duo of Yumi Torimaru, multi-instrumentalist and director of TAKOHACHI/Kotori Kai Shamisen school, and Nozomi Imade, pianist and vocalist from Nozomi Music School based in Sherwood, OR - consistently charm and entrance audiences with their wide variety of selections with Shinobue Bamboo Flute and Piano/ Voice.

The idea is to bring together some of our incredible local arts organizations and spotlight them on our mobile stage, with each group sharing a highlight of their upcoming season, through a short performance and a brief presentation of what’s to come. This event is by Sounds Track NW!

Presenters are below: (Time schedule TBD)

● Lewis & Clark College Music Department - combines rigorous academic study

with dynamic performance opportunities, nurturing well-rounded student

musicians.

● Fear No Music - champions contemporary music with bold programming that

amplifies diverse voices and living composers.

● Chatter PDX - presents adventurous chamber music, spoken word, and a

moment of silence in their signature Sunday morning weekly concerts.

● 45th Parallel Universe - unites Portland’s finest musicians in dynamic

ensembles that explore both classic repertoire and new frontiers.

● Renegade Opera - Portland’s experimental opera company, known for

reimagining opera through immersive, accessible, and innovative

productions.

● Takohachi - a Portland-based ensemble dedicated to sharing the power and

spirit of traditional Japanese taiko drumming and cultural arts.

Free and open to the public!

Family bike riding event. This performance is hosted by TriMet

12:30pm12:50pm/2pm2:20pm

This is outdoor event and open to public!

MAIDO MIND - the musical duo of Yumi Torimaru, multi-instrumentalist and director of TAKOHACHI/Kotori Kai Shamisen school, and Nozomi Imade, pianist and vocalist from Nozomi Music School based in Sherwood, OR - consistently charm and entrance audiences with their wide variety of selections with Shinobue Bamboo Flute and Piano/ Voice.

＊Wolf Children is a special FREE movie at the Clinton Street Theater on 8/30(Sa) from 11 am. But, you will need to register at

https://cstpdx.com/event/wolf-children/

Join Takohachi for a special performance ahead of the Wolf Children screening at the Hanabi Film Festival on Saturday, August 30! Featuring dynamic rhythms and joyful energy—including two talented elementary school performers—this 15-minute set celebrates themes of childhood, transformation, and connection. The film is free and family-friendly, and our ensemble will be staying to enjoy it alongside the audience. Come experience the magic of music and storytelling in one unforgettable afternoon.

Bon-Odori Summer Festival: Opening Performance & Live Music Join Takohachi and Kotori Kai Shamisen as we open the Bon-Odori Summer Festival with a spirited ensemble performance from 10:00 to 10:30 AM in the Tateuchi Courtyard. This dynamic set blends traditional shamisen and taiko rhythms to set the tone for a day of cultural celebration.

Immediately following, from 10:30 to 11:00 AM, our musicians will provide live accompaniment for the first Bon Odori dance set—featuring three traditional songs taught by Chris Dart and demonstrated by dancers from Oregon Buddhist Temple. Whether you're dancing or simply enjoying the music, this is a beautiful opportunity to experience the heart of Japanese summer traditions.

Celebrate Multnomah Days with Music, Tradition, and Community! Join us at the French Quarter—home of the beloved Yoshi's Sushi cart—for a vibrant showcase of Japanese musical artistry from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. As part of Multnomah Days festivities, this performance series invites you to explore the depth and diversity of Japanese culture through live music and spirited energy.

The program features:

• A captivating shamisen solo by Yumi, rooted in the Tsugaru tradition

• TAKOHAHCI's dynamic ensemble performance, blending rhythm, movement, and cultural storytelling

• Kotori Kai Shamisen's ensemble showcase, highlighting group cohesion and musical heritage

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Japanese culture, this is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in powerful traditions and enjoy the festival atmosphere.