KAPA‘A — Throughout the performance, residents uttered “jiyozu! jiyozu!” their weathered hands applauding, and at one point, tears of joy rolling down cheeks. Residents of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital greeted about 20 of the Manju Shaka dance troupe from Iwaki,
KAPA‘A — Throughout the performance, residents uttered “jiyozu! jiyozu!” their weathered hands applauding, and at one point, tears of joy rolling down cheeks.
Residents of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital greeted about 20 of the Manju Shaka dance troupe from Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan, who opened its Kaua‘i tour with a visit to the kupuna, the translation of “jiyozu” equating to the English “well done!”
Drawing from the music and lyrics of traditional Japanese music, Mama Rosa, the group’s leader, incorporates more contemporary audio and rhythm to create a unique dance presentation, the elderly residents clearly demonstrating their acceptance to the presentation.
“She doesn’t speak any English,” said Josie Pablo, hospital recreation director. “But she was inspired after visiting Mother Theresa in Calcutta, India, starting Manju Shaka in 1995.”
Since then, the group has traveled around the globe doing dance for charitable groups.
“They’ve been invited to perform by the president of the Philippines,” Pablo said. “Next month, they’re heading to Italy to perform. But, for today, they are visiting Kapa‘a, the first performance of their first trip to America.”
Pearl Shimizu, an organizer with Matsuri Kaua‘i, said Manju Shaka will be offering two shows at Matsuri Kaua‘i, Saturday at the Lihu‘e Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, and one show Sunday at Kukui Grove Center.
“They’ll do an abbreviated show at 10:30 a.m. Saturday,” Shimizu said. “Then, they’ll do a full show from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Matsuri Kaua‘i. Sunday’s show at Kukui Grove starts at 11:30 a.m.”
Beth Tokioka, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.’s executive assistant, said the group’s name translates to “red lily,” after discussing them with George Costa, director of the county’s Office of Economic Development.
“They are capable of performing in Carnegie Hall,” said Kaua‘i Film Commissioner Art Umezu, who was enjoying the performance during the group’s appearance at the Regency at Puakea Thursday. “Their trip was arranged by Kaleinani Hayakawa, a kumu hula in Japan. Who knew she would come up with something this special?”
Pablo said the group is made up of 55 members, with the youngest being 15 years old. However, only about 20 made the trip to Kaua‘i.
Following a hana-hou performance, each of the dancers and Mama Rosa mingled through the auditorium filled with residents still feeling the effects of the high-powered presentations, stopping to thank each resident, carefully making eye contact with each one.
Matsuri Kaua‘i runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the convention hall, and is free and open to the public.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
