Asian Persuasian is a five-member Asian American vocal harmony group. They sing favorite songs from doo-wop, Motown, and pop songs of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Kenny Itagaki and Gary Asamura started the group over 40 years ago with Jeff Louie, Marlene Yamane Chao, and Helen Ota completing the group today. They invite their audiences to join them in bringing back the classic sights, sounds, and memories of those “oldies but goodies” of their youth.

Bandō Hidesomi, born in Torrance, CA, began her training in Nihon Buyo at age 3 and studied in both the U.S. and Japan, including five years of intensive training under Grand Master Bando Mitsugoro IX while attending Keio University. She earned the prestigious title of Shihan and has performed in major recitals in Tokyo, including at the National Theater of Japan. Her students perform regularly at cultural events such as Nisei Week and the Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, and she remains active as a choreographer and guest performer.

Michael Murata is a scientist by day and a musician by night and weekend. As a senior scientist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, he is leading a study using artificial intelligence to study DNA in blood for the early detection of breast and prostate cancer. As a musician, he frequently performs throughout the Japanese American community at festivals, celebrations, and more including at Keiro no Hi last year! He has a music project called “shukan songu” where he posts a music video to his YouTube every week. He is very grateful for the opportunity to share his music with you today!

Established in 1983, the Nishi Center provides day care services for preschool to kindergarten aged children from two to six years old. The school was established for the Nikkei/Buddhist community in order to:

• Provide an early childhood education that prepare the child academically and emotionally for the entry in the elementary school system
• Cultivate a sense of and familiarity with Buddhist teachings.

The Orange County Friendship Choir, established in 2009, is the only Japanese and Japanese American mixed chorus in the county. With 143 members over its 16-year history, the current group of 29 singers ranges in age from under 59 to over 80. The choir is a recipient of the Keiro Grants Program and contributes to both Japanese and broader communities by performing at many community events. Rehearsing weekly at the Irvine Yamaha Music Center, members pursue musical excellence while enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of singing together.

Ukuleles for Little Tokyo is a free, bi-lingual English-Japanese ukulele program organized by the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. The program is geared towards engaging seniors in strumming their ukulele and singing nostalgic Japanese songs together!

Bill Yamane started learning magic by taking an introductory class offered by the Torrance Adult Education program. After completing the class, he took private lessons from an instructor. This led to an audition and his acceptance into The Academy of Magical Arts, also known as The Magic Castle, where he has been a member for 32 years and counting. Bill has enjoyed performing at events such as the Keiro no Hi celebration at Pasadena Buddhist Temple and the Shinnen Kai at Venice Buddhist Church.

Fugetsu-Do has been a family owned and operated confectionery store in Little Tokyo since 1903. Japanese rice cakes, more commonly known as mochi (rice cake) and manju (sweet bean-filled rice cake), are the staple. The shop, which is currently operated by Brian Kito, is located on East First Street, in the heart of the Historic District of Little Tokyo.

L.A. Taiko Ichiza is a premier Japanese taiko drum ensemble based in Little Tokyo, Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, specialized in naname (slant) style, which is also known as Sukeroku style. Their name Ichiza means “one unity” – through their powerful sounds and performance, they create the sense of “oneness” with the audience. The group performs at various events throughout the year, including the LA Marathon, Santa Anita Racetrack, Japanese Heritage Night at Dodgers Stadium, US Sumo Open, Nisei Week, Asian World Film Festival and other private/corporate events.