Tenrikyo Gagaku Youth Ensemble began in 2018 when Rev. Robert Yuge of the Tenrikyo Heritage Church gathered a number of kids from various churches in the hope that they will learn to play Gagaku music at their local churches. Through many sleepover practices at Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America, the group, ranging from 4th grade to college students, has become adept at quite a few Gagaku songs.

The tradition of Gagaku music at both Mission Headquarters and the local Tenrikyo churches goes back quite a long time, with Rev. Mitsuru Yuge, Shigemichi Aoki, and many others nurturing each generation of Gagaku performers to continue the tradition.

At the 90th Anniversary, the group performed the music and dance piece known as “Bato.”

One hundred members from the New York Center and East Coast Region gave a group performance to Taylor Swift’s hit song, “Welcome to New York!” Participants worked hard to put together cardboard signs and artwork while wearing outfits representing the many areas in the east including Maine, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Georgia, and Alabama. Some originally from the East Coast also joined us from Texas, California, and Japan.

Yoki Daiko, which means “joyous drumming” in Japanese, was formed in 1996 at Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters as a way for the community to come together and experience the dynamic art of Japanese drumming. Through the thunderous beats, kinetic rhythms, and unified minds, Yoki Daiko shares their efforts to create a joyous life where all people of the world can live together in unity as brothers and sisters.

Members of the Tenrikyo San Francisco District have been performing “San Francisco Beach Boys” for nearly 50 years at Dendocho commemorative events! It is not too much to say it is THE traditional performing art at Dendocho. For the 90th Anniversary, they are back even stronger! Please enjoy the magical, fantastic, and spectacular show that is full of imagination!