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Spirit of Himeji Japan: Shamisen and Traditional Buyō Concert
EVENT
In Collaboration with
Feb 19, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Spirit of Himeji Japan Admission:
$40 for Nonmembers
$36 for Members
This program is sponsored by the Phoenix Sister City Himeji Committee and will be featured as the first official artist exchange between the two cities at Matsuri.
Celebrate the opening of Arizona Matsuri with an unforgettable evening of live music, dance, and cultural exchange at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Matsuri Kickoff Live brings together exceptional performers from Himeji, Japan and Arizona for a vibrant program that honors tradition while engaging contemporary audiences.
The evening begins with the uplifting voices of the Phoenix Children’s Chorus, followed by a powerful collaboration of Japanese classical and folk dance and the dynamic sounds of the Tsugaru shamisen, performed by talented artists from Japan. Together, these performances offer a rare opportunity to experience the energy, elegance, and emotional depth of Japanese performing arts, live and up close. Enjoy an unforgettable night of music, culture, and flavor in the serene beauty of the Garden.
Event Schedule
Take a closer look at our program (subject to change)
Programming
6:30 PM — Gates Open
Welcome to an evening of serene beauty and cultural celebration. Guests are invited to explore the garden before taking a seat.
7:00 PM — Opening Remarks
7:15 PM – Phoenix Children’s Choir
7:30 PM – Tsugaru Shamisen Performance
7:50 PM – Intermission
8:00 PM – Dance Performance
8:20 PM – Shamisen & Dance Collaboration
8:30 PM – Final Collaboration with Arizona Artists
Shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) by Miro Koshio)
8:45 PM – Program Concludes
9:00 PM – Garden Closes
About Our Performers
Kazuki Miyasaka- Second-Generation Grand Master
-Head (Iemoto) of Miyasaka-ryu Dance Troupe with Miyasaka Taiki and Miyasaka Asami
Kazuki MIYASAKA is a renowned traditional Japanese dancer from Tsuyama, Okayama, and the second-generation master of the traditional Miyasaka-ryu Dance Troupe. He stepped onto the stage at the age of one and began professional dance training soon after. By the age of four, he was already performing internationally in France.
Throughout his youth, he won numerous top awards at Japan’s most prestigious dance competitions, earning recognition as one of the leading young dancers of Japanese traditional performing arts. He has been dedicated to carrying on the tradition to the next generation, introducing modern choreography.
In 2021, he officially succeeded as the master of the Miyasaka-ryu Dance Troupe. Today, he is dedicated to promoting the beauty and spirit of Japanese traditional performing arts, both in Japan and worldwide, through a variety of projects and performances.
Takuya Nakamura- Tsugaru Shamisen Player
Started Okinawa’s traditional performing art "Eisa" at the age of one, making his stage debut at one and a half. Studied shamisen and Japanese drums
under his grandfather, Taizo NAKAMURA. Since 2016, has studied Biho-ryu hayashikata(folk percussion) under Naosaburo BIHO, head of the Biho-ryu school. In 2017, began studying Tsugaru jamisen under Tokuo ODASHIMA, the second-generation head of the Sangen Odashima-ryu school.
Expanding his activities nationwide, he won his first major victory at a national competition held in Shiga Prefecture. The following year, he went on to win both the high school and general divisions at national-level competitions. His performances include appearances at events such as the World Athletics Championships and concerts for NHK Taiga Drama(historical drama) “Berabou Arigata-yama.”
He has also performed in countries such as Kenya, Taiwan, and Korea.
While pursuing the essence of authentic folk songs and classical performing arts, he is a solitary, young Tsugaru jamisen player who seeks new possibilities for the instrument and shares its charms with a wide audience across generations.
