Japanese Festival Beats the Heat With Summer Fun

The Japan Society of Fairfield County held its 18th Annual Bon Odori (Japanese Folk Dance Festival) Saturday afternoon at Jesup Green.

This year’s festival also helped raise funds for earthquake victims of Japan’s massive earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant disaster with children’s game tables and the sale of traditional Japanese fans called Uchiwa.

“It has been so hot these days,” said Westport’s , Vice President of the JSFC. “Officials were worried about the length of the program because of the tremendous heat. Though this Saturday was hot it was not too bad. In fact there was a nice breeze from the Saugatuck River which was refreshing even though the temperature was over 90 degrees.”

The event opened with a powerful beat courtesy of The Taiko Group Drummers. Based at the University of Connecticut, and founded in 2004 by Richard Fu and Cien Kim, they practice Kumi-Daiko — an ensemble style that fuses traditional Japanese Taiko drumming with modern influences.

“Four players made a wonderful beat which attracted more spectators,” said McDonald. “People who were walking around the library started to join. There were more than 120 people including many people dressed in yukata — a Japanese summer kimono.”

“I found out about this through the Internet,” said Westporter, Jacqueline Pike. “I loved the Taiko drums — I liked all so their pieces, they sounded so nice.”

After the performance, McDonald greeted the audience and thanked them for their support in helping earthquake victims. She then introduced others who have assisted the JSFC with fundraising efforts, including Alice McDonald and her friend Rachel Paul who attend Staples High School. Following the earthquake last March, the two organized a town wide bake sale in Westport.

Howard Phengsomphone and his associates from the Lao Association of Connecticut were thanked out for holding a customary Buddhist ceremony in New Britain to collect donations.

Japanese Consul to New York Masakazu Kigure, was also singled out for sending 100 percent of all donations to the Japanese Red Cross immediately following the disaster, helping the JSFC sidestep many difficulties and complications.

The Society’s President Harry Sakamaki offered some remarks, which were followed by First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, who had lived in Japan while he was a reporter for CBS News.

“He gave a speech using some Japanese sentences,” said McDonald.

Then the festival really got cooking when the audience was invited to take part in the Tanko Bushi (coal miner’s dance) that mimics miners’ digging up the ground.

“I like the Tanko Bushi very much because my mother used to sing and dance this piece when I was a little girl. I remember that,” said Linda, a former member of the JSFC.

Picking up on the dance theme, another performance by the Taiko Group had the drummers dancing to their own beat.

“It was very thrilling and cool,” said McDonald.

Afterward a mini drum workshop for kids was held, which proved to be very popular. Many delighted kids were taught to drum using bachi drumsticks. They were then invited to take part in the Pokemon dance wearing official Pokemon hats.

“I loved Pokemon dance,” said six-year old Miko of Westport. “I also liked Toy Robot game — I won. It was fun!”

Then a water game offered by the Amnet travel agency gave kids an opportunity to fish water balloons with paper fishing rods, and another event for the kiddies — the Toy Robot Game, introduced them all to Dr. Robot (Mr. Oshima).

“Mr. Oshima bought several hand made robots,” said McDonald. “Children played robot wrestling or Japanese Sumo game.”

Later the Seido Karate Group gave a demonstration and conducted a mini workshop. Seido Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art founded by Tadashi Nomura.

“The true essence of Seido Karate is the emphasis of training the mind, body, and soul together to realize the fullness of human potential,” said McDonald.

Led by John McGettigan, members demonstrated karate forms and simulated fights.

“Everybody enjoyed the powerful performance,” said McDonald.

The festival ended with VP Vernon Beck’s closing remarks and those who wanted to stick around got to take another mini drum workshop with the Taiko Group.

“It was wonderful, I enjoyed it very much and it was good that it didn’t rain,” said Carol Dunn of Westport. “I loved the audience participation part. The dances were quite easy and the steps are reasonably capable to do — I definitely will return next time.”

All proceeds from the Bon Odori benefit the Japan Relief Fund. The Japan Society of Fairfield County will continue to collect donations for earthquake victims through out the year.