This year 2021 marks the 25 year anniversary of “Ei Ja Nai Ka”, the taiko song and dance written by PJ Hirabayashi to commemorate the hard work and perseverance of the first generation immigrants from Japan to America.
Join PJ and special guests for a virtual hour on Zoom to kick off a summer celebration of Ei Ja Nai Ka. What’s in store…
- Walk down memory lane, the history and meaning behind Ei Ja Nai Ka
- Live chat with PJ’s dear friend Nobuko Miyamoto, Founder and Artistic Director of Great Leap, they’ll talk story about what inspired Ei Ja Nai Ka and how their creative paths have converged in community
- Special Ei Ja Nai Ka 25th anniversary video from San Jose Taiko
- See where Ei Ja Nai Ka has been danced all over the world
- Summer 2021 challenge to express Ei Ja Nai Ka in your own way
- Fun and surprises!
FORMAT
Virtual, live event over Zoom. 6o minutes. (Please note this event will not be made available as a recorded event).
WHO CAN ATTEND
Anyone and everyone who’d like to celebrate PJ Hirabayashi’s Ei Ja Nai Ka, including those who’ve seen a performance of the song, danced the song at a festival or gathering, fans of taiko drumming and those curious about Japanese American culture
Anyone who’d like to learn more about the back story of Ei Ja Nai Ka, its inspiration and history
Those who are part of the TaikoPeace community
WEBINAR COST
Free :) Registration required in order to receive the event’s ZOOM link.