RAFU STAFF REPORTWASHINGTON —Famed kotoist June Kuramoto from Alhambra was honored this week by the National Endowment for the Arts as a 2024 NEA National Heritage Fellow.

it was a primer into why this marching unit has gained worldwide fame.but has earned a global following that marvels at their impeccable musicianship and high-energy marching routines.

Fondly nicknamed the Orange Devils because of their persimmon-toned uniforms.The Kyoto Tachibana Green Band returns for the 2025 Rose Parade.Wow!For those seeing – and hearing – the band from Kyoto Tachibana High School for the first time.

the Tachibana groups signature number is a thundering rendition of Benny Goodmans arrangement of Sing.Their visits to Southern California usually include a performance art Disneyland and a concert in Orange County.

The 180 or so musicians and flag corps took part in the showcase event that offers a preview of the marching bands that will make the five-and-a-half-mile trek down Colorado Boulevard in the Rose Parade on New Years Day.

For more information on the Green Band Association.who was setting records nearly a century ago (although the Babe was nowhere near the base-stealing threat that Shohei is).

and the incomparable Ichiro Suzuki.Can Nikkei players succeed and excel in the majors? YES THEY CAN!Bill Watanabe writes from Silver Lake near Downtown Los Angeles and can be contacted at billwatanabe@earthlink.

That perception began to change when Hideo Nomo came to town in 1995 – and he commenced striking out opposing MLB batters at a record pace and eventually threw two no-hitters; one of Nomos no-hitters was at Coors Field in Denver.By Bill WatanabeFor the past few months.