＊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.

Cultural kickback festival celebrating Asian heritage month and Jewish heritage month at Grant High School! Takohachi young team, Takohachi Z, will perform from around 4:30pm. This is outside event and open to public.

*There is possibility of canceling this performance if it rains.

We are proud to present a special trio of our youth members who have been selected to perform at the 31st Portland Young Artists Debut! They will perform a special concert and showcase with other winners of talented youth artists from 7:30pm Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton!

*Photo credit Lloyd Lemmermann

Celebrated every year in May by APANO, to honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) History Month, Voices of Change is APANO's annual fundraiser to sustain their organization to continue uplifting the change-making leaders in their communities. This year’s theme for Voices of Change, “Building Bright Futures,” reflects our unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for all.

Lan Su Chinese garden is celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month starting from May 3rd.

Takohachi performance will be held from 4:00pm-4:20pm!

Celebrate the return of spring and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms with select members of Takohachi at Clark College. Our show will be outside, weather permitting. (If it's inclement, it will move inside.)

Schnitzer Mezzanine’s Lobby, Portland 

We are proud to present a special trio of our youth members who have been selected to perform at the 31st Portland Young Artists Debut! Concert & Showcase in May. (See the article in the April Newsletter (on the News tab) for more info!) They will perform a special pre-concert treat for symphony goers that evening with other winners of talented youth artists.

*Photo credit Lloyd Lemmermann

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.

Celebrate the return of sakura (cherry blossoms) with TAKOHACHI’s return to Willamette University’s annual festival. This very family friendly festival also has many kids’ activities and delicious treats. (This is an indoor show.)

Takohachi will once again open the annual Judo Tournament hosted by Obukan Judo, captivating everyone with powerful Taiko drum performances that create an exciting atmosphere for this special day, which they've been preparing for with great discipline for many days.

Details TBD

This event is not open to the public. To bring different cultures to our school for children to learn.