Anju Madoka
Anju Madoka, the Deputy Head of the Osaka headquarters and the representative of the Hawaii branch of the Japanese traditional folk songs school, MADOKA NO KAI.
Born and raised in Osaka. Her first performance was at the age of two and a half. She has been training under her mother and the head master of the MADOKA NO KAI, Shōju Madoka.
Throughout her career, Anju has directed her performances towards an international audience, showcasing her talent in countries such as Australia, China, Singapore, and the United States.
In 2022, Anju established the Hawaii Branch of MADOKA NO KAI.
The first album "Gannenmono," released in 2020, is a gratitude to all the Gannenmono and Japanese Americans and people who have preserved and passed on the Japanese culture. The album is now on sale and also available on Apple music, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc..
Minyō and Shamisen
[ Minyō, the Japanese traditional folk songs ]
Japanese folk songs have been sung by the common people throughout Japan.
The lyricists and composers of these songs are unknown, as they are sung naturally by the common people with various life situations. Folk songs with known lyricist are called Shin(New) Minyō.
Folk song lyrics often include lyrics about each prefecture's famous products, scenery, love stories, work, etc.
[ Shamisen ]
The shamisen is a combination of string and taiko(drum) instrument and is one of the unique traditional Japanese musical instruments. It comprises a wooden body covered with skin and a long neck on which strings are strung and plucked.
There are 3 main types of shamisen: the futozao, Ysugaru (wide neck), the chūzao, Minyo (medium-wide neck), and the hosozao (narrow neck) shamisens.The shamisen can produce both dynamic and delicate sounds depending on the types and techniques used.
Madoka No Kai
Hawaii branch
In 2022, the MADOKA NO KAI Hawaii Branch was established by the Anju Madoka.
Anju Madoka wholeheartedly embraces her school’s philosophy of “enjoyment for everyone” as she strives to foster a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese performing arts.
Furthermore, She values Japanese manners and etiquette, especially greetings. She teaches lessons at the student's own pace but also aims to make the lessons enjoyable and rewarding, challenging for the students.
Members of the Hawaii chapter range in age from 7 to 86 and enjoy practicing the shamisen and performing folk songs.
We are actively involved in promoting and spreading traditional Japanese performing arts by performing at senior houses, hospitals and cultural events and giving lectures at schools.