So-shin Kai to share Okinawan koto tradition July 13 in Hilo

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The College of Continuing Education and Community Service at the University of Hawaii at Hilo invites the public to a free presentation by members of the So-shin Kai from 3-4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Light refreshments will be served.

The College of Continuing Education and Community Service at the University of Hawaii at Hilo invites the public to a free presentation by members of the So-shin Kai from 3-4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Light refreshments will be served.

Darin Miyashiro and Shizuko Akamine, along with special guest Gary Oshiro on uta-sanshin, will present an educational performance about the Okinawan koto tradition in Hilo as established by group founder Midori Matayoshi, and perpetuated by current leader Akamine. Examples of Okinawan koto music — from classic works to folk songs — will be demonstrated.

Miyashiro, who is currently working with Akamine and the So-shin Kai through the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Apprenticeship Program, teaches koto at the UH-Manoa Music Department and is pursuing his master’s degree in ethnomusicology.

The event is sponsored by the Kinzo and Fumiko Nishimura Japanese Cultural Fund.