The Saipan Awaodori team members perform at the 12th Shirogane Awaodori Festival on July 16, 2023.
The Saipan Awaodori team members with the Tokyo Tensuiren group at the Ujie Awaodori Festival on July 23, 2023.
THE Saipan Awaodori team’s performances at various summer festivals in Japan have impressed their audience, according to the group’s founder, Misako Kamata.
Led by Kamata, who is also president of Kinpachi Restaurant, the Saipan Awaodori team performed at the 12th Shirogane Awaodori on July 16; the Kitamachi Awaodori Festival on July 19; and at the Ujiie Awaodori Festival on July 23.
Kamata said the performances of the team composed of Cassidy Thomphson Wabol, Leon Wabol, Jeafanie Tibong, Marcela Heben, Eljan Tibong and Coddie Forbes “were very impressive [and have] amazed the Japanese and foreign audiences.”
“The kids attracted the most attention,” she added. “Although they are all from an island with a different culture and tradition they take much pride in Japanese traditional dancing. They were full of energy and expression, and the audience enjoyed watching them,” Kamata said.
The team will also perform at the Higashi Rinkan Summer Wow Festival on Aug. 5 and 6; the Koenji Furedori on Aug. 25; and the Sajiki Festival on Aug. 26.
On Aug. 26 and 27, they will join the Tokyo Tensuiren group at the 63rd Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Festival.
The Saipan team will be back on island on Aug. 30.
