Textured Lives: Japanese Immigrant Clothing From the Plantations of Hawai'i Member Preview & Reception.

In addition, we will have two very special performers: Herb Ohta, Jr. and Allison Arakawa performing during the reception.

Herb Ohta, Jr.
Teacher, composer, recording artist, entertainer, and producer, Herb Ohta, Jr. solidly establishes himself as one of Hawaii's most influential 'ukulele masters. He is a six-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award Nominee and a two-time Hawai‘i Music Award Winner. He has performed throughout the state of Hawai‘i and has traveled overseas to Japan and the mainland USA. Herb has also been featured at the Japanese American National Museum's 1st&Central Concert Series. Herb Ohta, Jr. is certainly a vanguard in this new generation of ‘ukulele players.

Allison Arakawa
Now a resident of Alhambra, Allison started the study of singing Japanese music in Hawai'i under Harry Urata at the age of four, including children’s songs to enka. Urata-sensei compiled and standardized Hole Hole Bushi, which was the song sung by the first generation of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. This historical song has been added to the Asian Collection at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. as well as museums in Hawaii and throughout Japan (Hiroshima, Oshima). Allison will perform a special version of this song at the opening reception.

She also learned sanshin (Okinawan shamisen) and Okinawan koten ongaku (Classical Okinawan music) from Terukina Choichi Sensei, who has been honored as a Japanese National Living Treasure.