Japan Festival Houston 2023 was not only a celebration of the event’s 30th anniversary, it was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Houston-Chiba City Sister City relationship.To help mark this special golden anniversary of friendship, Japan-America Society of Houston made possible the appearance of “Nadeshico” on the ANA Matsuri Main Stage.
Nadeshiko – a group of student performers from Chiba City’s Inage High School – was selected to represent Chiba City through a competitive audition process. The group’s performance was centered around Eisa – an art form from Okinawa that Inage High School has become known for owing to a long history of participation in Chiba’s Oyako Sandai Matsuri.
In true artist style, Nadeshiko chose to mix Eisa elements with traditional Japanese dance in a unique collaboration worthy of the group’s name — women of great beauty.
Nadeshiko not only captivated the Houston audience at the Festival with their beautiful vocals and energetic Eisa drumming moves, they also charmed Mayor Turner and Mayor Pro Tem Martin on a visit to City Hall on the eve of their Japan Festival debut!
Nadeshiko, thank you for joining us to celebrate the special bond between Houston and Chiba City!
-Images courtesy of night.sky.creative