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Merrie Monarch Hula Festival of Japan


View from the lookout above Ikaho


The City of Ikaho, Japan (sister city of Hilo) hosted their fourth annual King David Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in August 2000. The festival saw four days of hula performed by halau and clubs from all over Japan. Their very special guests were the dancers and musicians of Halau Hula O Kamuela under kumu hula Paleka Leina'ala Mattos and Kunewa Mook from Waimanalo/Kalihi who were the overall winners from Hilo's Merrie Monarch Hula Competition this year.

 

Ikaho City is found about seventy miles Northwest of Tokyo at the source of a famous hotsprings in the Gunma Prefecture. Built into the mountain hills Ikaho is a popular resort in Japan and was the summer home for the emporor.

The tents and pavilions of the festival

The interest in Hawaiiana and Hula in Japan is intense. The crowds enjoyed every performance, from beginner to experienced.



Great attention and expense was paid to costumes and preparation, as the "local girls" awaited their turn on stage.





© Donn DeShayne 2000
The Japanese dancers brought their best to the festival through their admiration of Hawaiian culture and every night they enjoyed the inspiration of the artistry and authenticity of the best from Hawaii

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