Performance of IKKAI means once: a transplanted pilgrimage

Premiered February 25, 2023 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Annex –640 N. Fifth Street, San Jose, CA 95112

KAMBARA+ is performed its premiere performances of IKKAI means once: a transplanted pilgrimage, an immersive project choreographed by Yayoi Kambara. Weaving together modern dance, Ei Ja Nai Ka (a Japanese American (JA) Obon folk dance) choreographed by PJ Hirabayashi, and taiko, exploring unjust JA incarceration. IKKAI explores the struggles for reparations and healing, and current/future solidarities with communities facing the violence of xenophobic policies. By sharing experiences of Japanese Americans (JA) illegally incarcerated during World War II, we dream of a collective future where this kind of injustice will never happen again.

Inspired by her participation in San Jose JACL’s 2019 Manzanar Pilgrimage, in 2020 Yayoi Kambara partnered with San Jose JACL to win a $150, 000 Hewlett Foundation grant to allow the creation and nearly three-year development of IKKAI. Come and be immersed in a creative dance interpretation of the Japanese American incarceration experience.