HONOLULU (KHON2) — Master taiko artist Kenny Endo is a cultural pioneer who has performed worldwide for world leaders and celebrities.
Soon, you will have the chance to see him celebrate 50 years in the art of Japanese drumming here in Hawaii.
“For the people who do this, it’s to make a contribution to society and become better people as a result,” said Kenny Endo, Master Taiko artist.
An example of this in his work was in 1989. He traveled to the then Soviet Union, bridging the adversary with his performance.
“We were always told that Russia is your enemy, but the people were wonderful over there and I find that people are the same all over the world and it’s the governments that are fighting, not the people,” said Endo.
Now he continues to bring people together with Taiko. His 50th anniversary celebration will be hosted at the University of Hawaii’s Kennedy Theatre on Aug. 9 and 10.
The event will bring in artists from Japan and collaborations from a variety of world-class musical artists, dancers and even martial artists.
“You have to be really open to the other people you’re collaborating with and learn about their art form as much as possible. It’s just about mutual respect and trying to watch and listen to each other and not promote your own thing so much but trying to create something new,” said Endo.
He continues to be a student of the craft as he continues to learn and study his passion.
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“Whenever I go to Japan and study with my teachers, I realize how little I know and there’s a saying in Japan, kiri, which means there’s no end to this. So, it’s almost like the more you learn the more you need to learn more,” said Endo.
For tickets and details, you can visit the website.