Portland Shishimai Kai - Performance, Discussion, & Workshop
May
14
1:00 PM13:00

Portland Shishimai Kai - Performance, Discussion, & Workshop

Portland Shishimai Kai
Performance, Discussion, & Workshop
Headwaters Theatre
55 NE Farragut St. # 9, Portland
May 14, 1:00pm
Free

The Portland Shishimai Kai presents an afternoon of traditional Japanese music and dance from the Wakayama Ryu school, performing:

Edo Bayashi - traditional festival music of Tokyo
Ryomen Odori - double-masked dance
Edo Kotobuki Jishi - traditional celebratory shishimai of Tokyo

After the performance, there will be an explanation of the history, equipment, and significance of these traditional art forms. There will also be an opportunity to learn some of the shishimai movements for anyone interested in trying.

The Portland Shishimai Kai is a group dedicated to performing and teaching the traditional celebratory lion dance of Tokyo, the Edo Kotobuki Jishi. Through ongoing study under Kyosuke Suzuki of Wakayama Shachu, we aim to preserve the history and culture of this shishimai and to bring good luck to businesses, organizations, and everyone who celebrates in the presence of the shishi. Membership is open to anyone interested in helping to raise awareness and deepen appreciation of this art form. This project is supported in part by the Regional Arts & Cultural Council, Oregon Arts Commission, and Water In The Desert. More info here.

Contact Eien for more information

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Mar
31
to Apr 11

Shishimai Tour in Minnesota & New York

Shishimai Performance and Workshop Tour

TaikoArts Midwest
March 31 - April 5, 2023
St. Paul, Minnesota
More info:
https://www.taikoartsmidwest.org/classes

Workshop links:
Shishimai
Shimedaiko

Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center
April 5 - 11, 2023
Brooklyn, New York

Contact Eien for more info:
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/contact

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Feb
1
to Mar 22
teaching

Shimedaiko Techniques online course

Shimedaiko Techniques
Online Course
February 1 - March 22, 2023
8 Weeks, 8 Lessons
All levels OK
Equipment: practice pad & bachi

Registration:
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/onlinelessons/shimedaiko-techniques

“I learned a lot about shime playing, especially about Edo Bayashi style”

“A lot of information and knowledge about shimedaiko…this course is easy to understand and interesting”
— Participants from 2022 course

This course is designed to improve your shimedaiko playing by providing a solid foundation for small drum technique. Each week, a new lesson will be released including instructional videos, downloadable sheet music, and audio tracks. You are encouraged to submit your practice video for each lesson where I will provide feedback on your individual google spread sheet. The course material is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels to help you learn at your own pace.

The topics include:
Bachi selection
Kuchishoga and notation
Strokes - single, double, triple
Accents and dynamics
Rhythmic vocabulary
Upbeats and syncopation
Ji playing

The main advantages I see for this format are:

1. You can view the material at your convenience, rather than adjusting your schedule to a live session at a predetermined day and time.

2. The individual feedback is much more personal and detailed compared to a typical workshop format.

3. You can view the videos as many times as you like as well as be able to pause, rewind, or jump to the section you want to view.

4. The task of recording yourself is invaluable for your growth. It is also a great motivator to practice the assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, the course introduces basic fundamentals from the beginning and you can learn at your own pace.

  2. How long will the lessons be available? The lesson page will be available until July 13. The sheet music and audio tracks are downloadable so it’s recommended to save those files on your computer or device.

  3. Do I need a shimedaiko? No, it’s recommended to practice these lessons on a practice pad.

  4. Does each lesson remain available to the end of the course? Yes, once the lesson is posted, everything will be available until July 13.

  5. I can’t make it this time. Will you offer this course again in the future? Yes, probably.

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Sep
7
to Oct 26
teaching, music

Atarigane Techniques Online Course (8 weeks)

Atarigane Techniques Course
September 7 - October 26, 2022

Includes:
8 video lessons released weekly
Play-along audio tracks (downloadable)
PDF sheet music (downloadable)
Eien’s detailed individual feedback on submitted videos
All of your questions answered

Registration
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/onlinelessons/atarigane-techniques-course

This course is designed to improve your technique and enhance your musicality on the atarigane. There are 8 video lessons along with downloadable audio tracks to be used as play-along material for effective practicing. You will have the option to record and send weekly videos to Eien to receive personal feedback on each assignment. After submitting payment, you will receive a PDF download link by email. A size 5.0 atarigane and the Marukuma Edo Bayashi shumoku are recommended for this course. However, you can use any atarigane or practice setup you currently have. Please contact Eien if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, the course introduces basic fundamentals from the beginning. No prior atarigane experience is necessary.

  2. How long will the lessons be available? The lesson page will be available until November 9. The sheet music and audio tracks are downloadable so it’s recommended to save those files on your computer or device.

  3. How do I figure out the size of my atarigane? If you lay it flat like a bowl of soup, the outer diameter of the size 5.0 should be around 13.5cm, and the size 5.5 should be around 15.0cm.

  4. Does each lesson remain available to the end of the course? Yes, once the lesson is posted, everything will be available until March 31 or later.

  5. What if I don’t have an atarigane or can’t make loud noises in my home? No problem - you can make yourself a practice kane or shumoku. See the photo below for some ideas.

  6. Is this the same course from February? Yes, and you are welcomed to take it again.

Atarigane, shumoku, and ideas for practice instruments

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Feb
2
to Mar 23
teaching, music

Atarigane Techniques Course (8 weeks)

"One of the best kane players I know, offering an Atarigane class with personal feedback? This is definitely worth signing up for!”
- Yuta Kato, Los Angeles Taiko Institute

Atarigane Techniques Course
February 2 - March 23, 2022

Registration closes February 1

Registration
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/onlinelessons/atarigane-techniques-course

Includes:
8 video lessons released weekly
Play-along audio tracks (downloadable)
PDF sheet music (downloadable)
Eien’s detailed individual feedback on submitted videos
All of your questions answered

This course is designed to improve your technique and enhance your musicality on the atarigane. There are 8 video lessons along with downloadable audio tracks to be used as play-along material for effective practicing. You will have the option to record and send weekly videos to Eien to receive personal feedback on each assignment. After submitting payment, you will receive a PDF download link by email. A size 5.0 atarigane and the Marukuma Edo Bayashi shumoku are recommended for this course. However, you can use any atarigane or practice setup you currently have. Please contact Eien if you have any questions: https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/contact

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it suitable for beginners? Yes, the course introduces basic fundamentals from the beginning. No prior atarigane experience is necessary.

  2. How long will the lessons be available? The lesson page will be available until March 31 or later. The sheet music and audio tracks are downloadable so it’s recommended to save those files on your computer or device.

  3. How do I figure out the size of my atarigane? If you lay it flat like a bowl of soup, the outer diameter of the size 5.0 should be around 13.5cm, and the size 5.5 should be around 15.0cm.

  4. Does each lesson remain available to the end of the course? Yes, once the lesson is posted, everything will be available until March 31 or later.

  5. What if I don’t have an atarigane or can’t make loud noises in my home? No problem - you can make yourself a practice kane or shumoku. See the photo below for some ideas.

I am very excited to be offering a new course called Atarigane Techniques on my website. It features a hybrid format which combines the convenience of video lessons with the personalized instructor feedback of real-time private lessons. The 8-week course starts on February 2 and each week a new lesson will be available. In addition to the instructional videos, I have created a series of play-along audio tracks specifically designed to improve your atarigane technique in progressive steps. There are also accompanying sheet music PDFs and everything is downloadable for your convenience.

For each lesson, you will have the option of uploading an unlisted video of your practicing, and I will provide detailed feedback on your personalized google doc sheet where you can also ask questions and track your progress. This idea is inspired by my conversations with Yuta Kato of the Los Angeles Taiko Institute who has been using a similar method for online teaching. I have heard good reports from both instructors and students regarding this format and I am looking forward to trying it out for the first time. I still think that a real-time private lesson is the most effective way of learning, but this new format will offer much better results than simply viewing a pre-recorded video lesson. Feel free to ask any questions and please share this information with anyone who might be interested. - Eien

Atarigane, shumoku, and ideas for practice instruments

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Oct
2
to Oct 31
teaching, music

30 Days of Taiko Skills

30 Days Taiko photo with text WEB.jpg

I am posting one video a day for 30 days where I discuss and demonstrate a different taiko topic each day. Hopefully you can join me and follow along! If you are able, please consider making a financial contribution or help me to spread the word by forwarding this information to your friends. At the end of the 30 days, I will donate 50% of the proceeds to Asano Taiko US in support of Donference, the week-long taiko conference happening at their Torrance facility in December 2021. I have been invited to teach workshops at this event and I'm looking forward to working with the great people there and all of the participants. Any donation amount is very much appreciated. As a special thank you, starting at the $100 level, I am offering a choice of a complimentary online lesson or having me personally sharpen your kitchen knife during the conference. Registration for Donference opens on October 8.

Donference info and registration:
https://www.solatidon.com/home

Blog
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/blog-archive/

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Feb
19
to Feb 21

Online Edo Bayashi Gathering

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Suzuki+headshot.jpeg

Online Edo Bayashi Gathering
February 19 - 21, 2021

Information and registration is here:
https://www.taikoartsmidwest.org/online-edo-bayashi-gathering

Workshops
Pre-recorded video interviews with Suzuki sensei
Informal online hangout sessions
Screening of a short film about Suzuki sensei’s Ho Etsu Taiko residency

See the previously scheduled event:
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/edo-bayashi-gathering-2020

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Dec
20
1:00 PM13:00

Knife Sharpening Workshop Online

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December 20 (Sunday)
1:00pm Pacific Time
(11:00am Hawaii, 4:00pm Eastern)

Everyone is cooking at home more than ever, so this is a great opportunity to learn this valuable skill. Having a sharp knife will definitely enhance your joy of cooking! This 2-hour class on Zoom will be limited to 6 participants so that everyone receives a good amount of attention and feedback. I will offer additional classes based on the level of interest.

Registration and payment:
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/onlinelessons/online-knife-sharpening-workshop-on-december-20

Recommended materials:
knife - chef, gyuto, santoku, nakiri (Western knife is OK)
whetstone - ideally around 1000 grit (King KW-65 is recommended)
table or counter space
2 towels or rags
container to soak stone in water
water spray bottle
newspaper
wine cork
wide tip black permanent marker
nail polish remover
knife - chef, gyuto, santoku, nakiri (Western knife is OK)

Knife sharpening supplies web.JPG
View Event →
Dec
19
1:00 PM13:00

Natto Time Hangout

Eien and pink bowl natto hangout.jpg

December 19 (Saturday)
1:00pm Pacific Time
(11:00am Hawaii, 4:00pm Eastern)

I am starting an online meeting series called Natto Time Hangout. The idea is to gather with other natto fans and discuss recipe ideas, health benefits, historical information, and advocate for this amazing superfood. I will host the hangout on Zoom and it will be free to attend. This is a new kind of activity for me and everyone is welcomed to contribute ideas and questions.

Please register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtf-2spjorHNciHhCVeGvp0MaxfEzeqNHI

View Event →
Nov
30
to Dec 21
teaching, music

KADON LIVE WORKSHOP - Introduction to Edo Bayashi

KADON LIVE WORKSHOP - Introduction to Edo Bayashi

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More info and registration:
https://kadon.com/kadon-live-introduction-to-edo-bayashi-workshop-with-eien-hunter-ishikawa/

Video about the workshop:
https://youtu.be/3zk16LBrheA

Class Dates
November 30
December 7
December 14
December 21

All 4 classes will be recorded and made available to registered participants until January 21.

This class is an introduction to Edo Bayashi, the traditional festival music of Tokyo. The Edo Bayashi ensemble consists of two shimedaiko, one odaiko, one atarigane, and one shinobue. In this session, we will start with a focus on the shimedaiko part and then branch out to some of the simpler patterns of the odaiko and atarigane. The Wakayama Ryu Edo Bayashi repertoire consists of many pieces and you will learn sections of Yatai and Nageai (Mikoshi Bayashi), two pieces that represent the festive feeling of this music. We will focus on the use of kuchishoga (vocal patterns) to learn the rhythms and to understand the interplay of the different parts. You will also learn about the history and context of Edo Bayashi in relation to Wakayama Shachu, Kyosuke Suzuki sensei, and Tokyo’s famous festival Sanja Matsuri. The workshop material is designed to work for beginners and for people with experience.

More Edo Bayashi info:
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/blog/my-edo-bayashi-year-2018

https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/blog/japan-trip-part-1

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Jul
17
to Jul 19

Edo Bayashi Gathering with Kyosuke Suzuki Sensei

POSTPONED - new date still to be determined

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Edo Bayashi Gathering
Portland, Oregon
July 17 - 19, 2020

Kyosuke Suzuki - instructor
Iris Shiraishi - co-coordinator
Eien Hunter-Ishikawa - co-coordinator, translator

Event Information is here

Thank you to TaikoArts Midwest for providing fiscal sponsorship.

Supported in part by Taiko Community Alliance and Regional Arts & Culture Council.

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RACC orange logo web.jpg
Edo Bayashi complete set.jpg
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May
10
2:00 PM14:00

Japanese Knife Sharpening Workshop

POSTPONED to May 10

Japanese Knife Sharpening Workshop

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When:
May 10, 2020
2:00 - 4:00pm

Where:
Casa Della Zisa

4624 NE Fremont St

Portland, OR

Registration:
Brown Paper Tickets
https://bpt.me/4548446

In this workshop, Eien will teach the basics of Japanese knife sharpening on water stones. Japanese knife culture is distinct in several ways: the blade is sharper and thinner, sharpening is done on whetstones, and chefs sharpen their own knives in order to accommodate their individual cutting needs. After this introduction of basic techniques, you will be able to sharpen your own knives at home and experience the true joy of cooking with a sharp blade. Space is limited so early registration is advised.

Questions:
https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/contact

Knife sharpening flyer for March 2020.jpg
View Event →