Eddie Ohara led the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the ceremony.

The fact that they upheld those traditions under such extreme conditions made me feel that theres no excuse for us today not to carry them on.both of us carrying forward our mentors legacies.

My students come from diverse backgrounds — some are Japanese American.That was the only time the three of us danced together — it was truly special.Japanese dance serves as a bridge that connects both worlds.

I became aware of that around high school.and believing through to the end.

I hope that message comes through.

Ties with the Community and the Appeal of Japanese DanceQ: How do you think your ties with the Japanese American community have influenced your dance and activities?A: Since I was little.Fewer people are interested in shamisen music.

O-sho smiled as he shared a final anecdote.my deepest feeling is one of gratitude to those who have steadfastly preserved Yamatogakus presence here for 25 years.

performance venues are disappearing — like the recent closure of the National Theatre.During the 2008 concert in Los Angeles.