first performance at kyoto train station

Sunday, June 6, brought the band and dance company's first performance in Japan.

After having breakfast and bringing our luggage down to be loaded on the truck to transport it to our next hotel in Tokyo, the group headed over to the Kyoto Train Station to rehearse for their show at 12:45.  The train station staff did so much work to get ready for the show.  They put up all the black panels on the stage and also made signs to announce the performance.





The band, hula dancers, Hawaiian trio (made up of Vice Principal Hailama Farden, Kahu Kordell Kekoa and Mr. Charley Regua), and dance company did an awesome job of entertaining the crowd, which filled up much of the 97 stairs facing the stage.  The "Hukilau" was popular, with the dancers bringing audience members up to learn the hula motions.

Another song that was received especially well was "Kawa no Nagare no Yoo ni,"  a song made famous by Japanese singer Misora Hibari.  They ended the show with the school song, "Imua Kamehameha," which had the audience clapping along.








After the performance, the kids changed back to their blue polo shirts, put their uniforms and instruments away and had their bento lunch.  By this time, we had had several bento, so as appetizing as it was, the thought of another one turned some people off.  I was looking forward to eating a HOT meal in Tokyo!