Demonstration by Torrance Kendo Dojo.
Dango was a popular dessert.
Children's art was displayed in the lobby.
Folk songs and dance by Matsutoyo Kai.
Demonstration by South Bay Judo Club.
Demonstration by Dai Ichi Bonsai Club.
The Torrance student delegates to Kashiwa were introduced.
Children's author Sunny Seki displayed a variety of Japanese toys and games.
Koto performance by L.A.'s 33 Strings.
Japanese dance by Azuma Kotobuki Kai.
Taiko drumming by L.A. Miyake Kai
Taiko performance by Mudaiko
Taiko drumming by Prota.
Ikenobo ikebana demonstration by Minamitani SemhoÂ
Martial arts demonstration by Wado-Ryu Karate Do Renmei
Tea ceremony demonstration by Urasenke Tanko Kai Los Angeles
The Torrance Sister City Association presented the 51st annual Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival on April 18 and 19 at the Ken Miller Recreation Center in Torrance.
The event, which features cultural performances and demonstrations, food, arts and crafts, martial arts, kids' games, and a silent auction, benefits TSCA's student cultural exchange program with Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, which began in 1974.
Every July, up to eight high school students from Torrance spend three weeks in Kashiwa, accompanied by an adult leader. In August, a similar group from Kashiwa comes to Torrance for three weeks. Over 400 students each from Torrance and Kashiwa have participated in the program.
This year's cultural representatives from Torrance are Marina Ablett, Torrance High School; Allison Gil, South High School; Jaxon Kamimura, West High School; James Lin, Bishop Montgomery; Sophia Reyes Castro, South High School; Lillian Reynolds, Bishop Montgomery; Elaine Suyeyoshi, North High School; Julia Villarie, Torrance High School. Tanya Welsch is the adult leader.
Performances, demonstrations and exhibits on Saturday:
Outdoor Stage — Taiko by Mudaiko and L.A. Miyake Kai; martial arts by Wado-Ryu Karate Do Renmei; children's dance by Bando Ryu Mai no Kai; taiko by Prota
Indoor Stage — Anime contest winner presentations; tea ceremony by Urasenke Tankokai L.A.; martial arts by Torrance Kendo Dojo; folk songs and dance by Matsutoyo Kai; Kashiwa Odori (music and dance); martial arts by South Bay Judo Club; Okinawan drumming by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko; koto music by L.A.'s 33 Strings; dance by Azuma Kotobuki Kai
Assembly Room — Ikenobo ikebana by Minamitani Semho; kamishibai (storytelling for children); demonstration by Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai; hands-on calligraphy with Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai; origami led by Yoko Sekine
The emcee was David Gelbaum, 1993 student delegate and 2014 adult leader.
Performances, demonstrations and exhibits on Sunday:
Outdoor Stage — Drumming by Asano Taiko U.S. Youth; dance by Rin no Kai
Indoor Stage — Shakuhachi by Shawn Schroeder; game kendama by Nishiyamato Academy students; Fuji Japanese Music; kimono demonstration by Nadeshiko Kai; calligraphy by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai; martial arts by Torrance Naginata Dojo; Yoko Awaya Koto Music Conservatory; Japanese classical dance by Bando Hidesomi; Asano Taiko U.S. and Los Angeles Taiko Institute
Assembly Room — Demonstrations by Dai Ichi Bonsai Kai; kamishibai; hands-on calligraphy by Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai; origami led by Pam Miike and Georgette Jenkins
The emcee was David Bissiri,1978 student delegate.
The Saga Art Center exhibited children's art in the lobby both days.
The Asian-themed arts and craft boutique featured over 20 vendors selling hand-made items.
Food booths sold shaved ice, cotton candy, dango, barbecue grilled plate lunches, Spam musubi, chicken curry with rice, and vegetable yakisoba.
The president of TSCA is Brad Reynolds and the chair of the Bunka-Sai Committee is Karen Wheeler.
