Maui Matsuri kick off event May 7

An event to kick off this year’s Maui Matsuri will be held on Friday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. at Queen Kaahumanu Center.   The kick off event will include Japanese dancing, karaoke, a kimono fashion show, a cosplay exhibition, and an obon dancing rehearsal.

Photo of Maui Matsuri event courtesy Lynn Araki-Regan.

A kimono fashion show and a special performance by Uluwehi Guerrero will be the highlight of the Maui Matsuri kickoff event.

The kickoff event, sponsored by Araki-Regan & Associates LLC, will also include children’s crafts, taiko and koto performances, and Japanese dancing by Matsudai Ryu and Nakayama Minyo Kai.  The event will conclude with obon odori practice around the center stage at approximately 8 p.m.

The purpose of the free event is to bring more public awareness about the upcoming 10th Annual Maui Matsuri honoring Japanese cultural traditions on May 14-15 at the UH Maui College Campus.