Taikoza, the masterful Taiko Drummers, are back for two amazing evenings of mind-blowing drumming. Come experience the concert “Voice of the Earth” as we celebrate the Summer Solsitce with this high-energy performance of traditional and original Japanese tunes, featuring  the soulful sound of the bamboo flutes and an amazing array of ancestral Taiko drums. A wonderful program for all ages and the perfect family concert.

When: Sunday, June 21, 2026  at 3:00 PM -4:20 PM

Tickets: Adults:$25.00, (Senior/Children $15)

Discover the exhilarating rhythms of the ancient Taiko drums and the enchanting melodies of bamboo flutes. Taikoza harnesses the potent energy of the Taiko drums to create a captivating atmosphere that transports audiences to new realms of excitement. Drawing from Japan’s vibrant musical and performance traditions, Taikoza has innovatively blended various traditional instruments to produce a fresh, dynamic sound. The group has given performances across Europe, Asia, and extensively toured North America. They have made appearances on ESPN, at the Sumo tournament at Madison Square Garden, and have contributed to the soundtracks of the Nintendo Wii games Red Steel 1 and 2.

Artists:

Musical Director: Marco Lienhard ( Taiko, Shakuhachi, Shinobue and  Noh Flute)

Taiko: Yuki Takaishi-Payne, MacConnell Evans, 

Dance and Taiko: Maddie Hopfield.

Popular Taikoza standards such as Hachijo, Voice of the Earth,  Yatai Bayashi, Miyake, Eisa, Tabi, Itsuki Lullaby and more will be performed

Quotes from the Media: 

“Something strange and wonderful is coming your way. There was thunder and there was lighting and there was the sea crashing against a cliff, and volcanoes. For a few utterly transporting minutes, there was expressed in the metaphors of merciless rhythms and fluttering melodies, anything a listener had experienced, would experience and could imagine experiencing.”

ERIC HUBLER, WASHINGTON POST

This performance is made possible in part by funds from East Winds, Inc. and First Bank of Hawaii

 www.taikoza.com

The mission of East Winds, Inc.DBA Taikoza is to advance public interest and understanding of Japanese and Asian music and performing Arts; expose the public to music from Asian countries through workshops, performances, and production of new works

incorporating elements of Asian music; provide musicians with a forum to expose their work to the public; and conduct any lawful activities that may help accomplish the preceding activities. One key point of the organization is to present programs of the highest quality. Our mission is to bring high-quality programs to schools, communities of different backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

East Winds, Inc. presents more than 220 concerts (live and a few virtual) a year. Performances range from school educational performances  (in public and private schools nationwide) to concerts in colleges and theaters and free community programs. Concerts are held annually in New York City at Symphony Space and other venues around the city. During the summer, East Winds presents free concerts in the parks in New York City, reaching out to audiences of all ages and backgrounds in low-income areas of the city.

Experience “Voice of the Earth”, a unique Taiko drumming concert featuring Marco Lienhard with Taikoza from New York City, accompanied by local taiko groups Puna Taiko and Taishoji Taiko.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice as these performers highlight the ancestral Taiko drum and the vibrant energy it brings. Marco Lienhard, a master of Taiko and Japanese flutes, will enrich the evening with soulful bamboo flute melodies.

Taikoza intertwines the deep resonance of Taiko drums with the expressive Shakuhachi and Shinobue. Savor a dynamic, unforgettable performance celebrating Japan’s musical tradition.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the youth programs of the participating Taiko groups. Thank you to our generous sponsor, First Hawaiian Bank for making this concert possible.

WRITTEN BY Diane Aoki

Joni knows that Alzheimer’s Disease runs in her family and she fears it will take hold of her mother, and herself. To counteract this, she collects “memory beads” — her family’s immigration story from Okinawa, anecdotes her mother shares about growing up in Hilo, histories unearthed in a family genealogy, and narratives of her own journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. Collectively, we see that the relationships between mothers and daughters through five generations are the cords that tie these “memory beads” together.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Thursdays / Fridays / Saturdays at 7 p.m. HST
May 28, 29, 30, June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27

Sundays at 2 p.m. HST
May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28

Open to all members and guests of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and affiliated Okinawan clubs, this annual golf tournament brings the community together for friendly competition across multiple flight divisions, including championship, senior, and women’s categories. Participants will compete over multiple rounds, with awards presented at a closing banquet.

Entry Fee:
$160.00 includes green fees, cart fees, City and County of Honolulu user fees, and the awards banquet. Additional banquet tickets are available at $25.00 each.
Super Seniors (75+): $80.00, green fees & cart fees, Sunday user fees & awards banquet.

Entry Deadline: First 120 players or by May 8, 2026, whichever comes first.

Hawai’i and Japan come together once again for a landmark gathering of leaders, innovators, and changemakers when we convene the 2026 Hawai’i–Japan Sister State and Sister City Summit, which will include a Hawai’i–Japan Economic Policy Forum. Building on the extraordinary success of the inaugural 2023 Summit—the largest Hawai’i–Japan international convening in more than two decades—this next chapter promises even greater impact.

From governors and mayors to business, nonprofit, and community leaders, the Sister Summit is where we will sustain, deepen, and expand ties and shape the future together.

With inspiring keynote speakers, timely policy and economic dialogue, dynamic panel discussions, a vibrant marketplace showcasing Hawai’i and Japan, and multiple networking opportunities, this is the place to be for those that have an interest in the Pacific region’s future. Join more than 400 leaders from Hawai’i and Japan as we work toward Creating Our Future – by charting a bold course forward together.