Grateful Crane Ensemble’s Nisei Life in Song: A Sentimental Journey, a captivating musical production that honors the Japanese American community’s greatest generation, was met with overwhelming acclaim when it took the stage at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute in Gardena. The Los Angeles-based ensemble is renowned for its nostalgic shows, which primarily cater to Japanese American audiences. Notable past productions include The Camp Dance: The Music and the Memories, Nihonmachi: The Place to Be, and Misora Hibari: A Tribute to a Legend. Last summer, Sentimental Journey made its debut at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California in San Francisco’s Japantown.
Soji Kashiwagi, the playwright and executive director of Grateful Crane, shared the intention behind the show, stating, The purpose is to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to members of our greatest generation while singing over 20 of their all-time favorite Japanese and American songs. The songs, music, stories, and history are sure to evoke a plethora of memories – some joyous and others melancholic – while painting a picture of the Nisei’s lives in America and the path they paved for us.
The performance featured talented singers Jason Fong, Haruye Ioka, Keiko Kawashima, Merv Maruyama, and Helen H. Ota. Lisa Joe and Danny Yamamoto, the musical director and drummer, respectively, accompanied them. The repertoire included beloved Japanese songs such as Haru ga Kita, Yawara, and Koko ni Sachi Ari, as well as American classics like Sentimental Journey, Stardust, and My Way. Some songs were performed in both languages, adding a touch of cultural fusion.
The captivating performance left the audience in awe, prompting a standing ovation and demands for an encore. Emboldened by their success, Grateful Crane Ensemble later took Sentimental Journey to Berkeley and San Francisco, delighting audiences in those cities as well.
The upcoming shows on the ensemble’s schedule include a performance at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple on August 19, where tickets can be purchased for $35 plus fees. The event promises to be an enriching experience, capturing the essence of Sentimental Journey. For reservations and more information, contact the temple at (831) 724-7860 or buddhist@wbtemple.org. Additionally, a show will be held at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin on August 20, with an optional pre-show lunch at 12:30 p.m. For further details, reach out to the church at (408) 293-9292 or visit their website at http://sjbc.kindful.com/e/sentimental-journey-1.
For those who wish to support Grateful Crane Ensemble’s endeavors, mark your calendars for their annual fundraising dinner and show on September 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. The event will take place at Nishi Hongwanji in Little Tokyo, located at 815 First St. Further information can be obtained by emailing gratefulcrane@gmail.com or visiting the ensemble’s website at www.gratefulcrane.com.
Grateful Crane Ensemble’s unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy and experiences of the Japanese American community through music and storytelling makes their shows truly remarkable. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a sentimental journey, reliving cherished memories and celebrating the inspiring contributions of the Nisei generation.
