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.

Celebrate culture and discovery at OMSI’s third-annual Community Science Night! This vibrant gathering spotlights the heritage and contributions of Pasifika and Asian American communities with interactive science exhibits, community partners, and live entertainment.

🎶 Takohachi Q Ensemble Performances Experience the powerful rhythms of Japan and the energy of summer celebration! Takohachi Q Ensemble will perform three sets at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM. Each performance blends traditional Japanese instruments—taiko drums, shinobue flute, dance, and Tsugaru shamisen

🍱 Food, Vendors & Cultural Connections Meet local organizations, shop handcrafted goods, and enjoy delicious bites from food carts and Theory restaurant.

Please get more details with ticket info from the OMSI website.

• Free parking available

TAKOHACHI will once again bring the thunder of Taiko to Bridge Pedal! :) This tradition has been going strong for over a decade and is truly becoming an iconic part of the event.

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.

🌸 Experience the Spirit of Japanese Culture! As part of our Cultural Experience Day, Takohachi will present a vibrant live performance from 11:00 to 11:30, showcasing a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary Japanese music. Following the performance, we invite everyone to join in a joyful Bon Odori dance session—an iconic summer tradition rooted in community and celebration.

Our team will guide you through two accessible dances:

• Portland Bon Uta: our original song honoring Portland’s multicultural charm

• Hokkai Bon Uta: a classic Bon Odori from Hokkaido, Japan

No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

But, if you want to study Portland Bon Uta, you can learn in 10 mins from this tutorial video.

https://youtu.be/mAGEjtbClxw?si=5X3t1ZRAFFAIrkDD

Takohachi Q Ensemble brings Japanese music and invites everyone to join the fun, dancing "Portland Bon Uta" together! Here is the how to dance video: https://youtu.be/mAGEjtbClxw?si=XrjphYjFJx51Qo9o

Oregon Ki Society’s Aikido Kids Summer Camp blends martial arts, mindfulness, and cultural exploration into one unforgettable experience for children ages 4–18. The camp focuses on Ki-Aikido, a peaceful martial art that teaches coordination of mind and body, respect, and confidence through playful physical activity. This summer, campers will be treated to a special cultural performance by Takohachi joined by the Japanese guest drummers and flutists. The highlight? Campers will get hands-on with taiko drumming, learning basic rhythms and feeling the power of group percussion during their camp hours.

OMSI is playing Kubo movie again at Portland’s Empirical Theater, this immersive event pairs the stunning stop-motion adventure Kubo and the Two Strings with a curated tray of bite-sized snacks that sync with key moments in the film.Before the screening begins, guests will be treated to a live showcase of the shamisen by Yumi and Jin on the first night (7/16). Shamisen is the traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument that plays a magical role in the movie. In Kubo and the Two Strings, Kubo uses his shamisen not only to tell stories but to animate origami and summon powerful forces—his music literally brings paper to life. It’s a beautiful blend of folklore and fantasy, rooted in real musical tradition.

Takohachi Select Team will perform for the Japan-themed annual golf tournament.

Takohachi Select Team will promote Japanese Culture through their music performance.

7/11 (Fri) 360 Arts Camp by Cognizart is Portland’s vibrant summer celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration! Hosted at the World Forestry Center in July 2025. On select Fridays, campers experience live performances and hands-on workshops led by multicultural guest artists. This year, our youth artists, Calvin and Jin will join as special guests to present a showcase of traditional Japanese instruments and lead an interactive workshop where campers can explore the sounds and stories behind each instrument.

Sunday, July 6, 2024 at 10:45am - 11:15 and 11:45 am – 12:15 pm.

Two shows for celebrating TANABATA, star festival.

Tanabata story, music, dance, and more!

Bridge the misconceptions that sake and wasabi can only be paired with Japanese food. Showcase both products versatility through food, art, people, Oregon, and music! Takohachi Q/Select team will perform 1:15pm-1:45pm!

Happy National Trails Day! Takohachi will be back to perform during the annual event, Big Paddle, by City of Ridgefield! On water and off water activities, including open paddling, vendor market, food vendors, beer garden, games, and more.

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.

Canon and Senbonzakura will be played by Maido Mind (Yumi&Nozomi) and Jin Nakajima. from 4pm

Nozomi Music School Student Recital is from 2pm~ (Doors open at 1pm)

Takohachi is co-organized Cultural Immersion Saturday: Japan at Lan Su Chinese Garden!

With our performance, there are workshop: origami session and shuji experience.

11:00am~ Takohachi Performance

1:00pm~ Kotori Kai Shamisen

3:00pm~ Maido Mind

3:30pm~ the World Fusion

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.