Basic Information

Organizational Affiliation		buddhist
Name of Affiliated Organization		Zenshuji Soto Mission

Background Information

Group's Mission and Motivation

As a community-based cultural arts program, Zenshuji Zendeko teaches culture, heritage and the traditional performing arts to improve and enrich the lives of its performing members and audiences around the world.

Group History
Describe how, where, and why the ensemble was founded. What was its inspiration?

Zendeko originated as a Sunday school activity where the youth members were taught basic festival rhythms. A year later, the world famous Taiko group Ondekoza came to Los Angeles for their tour of the United States. Needing rehearsal area, the members of Ondekoza began their rigorous training at Zenshuji Soto Mission. The two groups befriended each other and it was shortly after that, Zendeko had the privilege to train with this professional group. Zendeko's character subsequently changed from matsuri to the more theatrical style of Japanese folk music. Before long, the group was invited to perform with Ondekoza at local venues. A few selected members later accompanied Ondekoza abroad. Zendeko has continued to train and practice the teaching of their mentors, passing on tradition and the performing arts to a new generation of young adults. The group incorporates Buddhist Zazen (meditation) in its regimen of training.

List of Founding Members

Reverend Nobuyoshi Fukushima (Founder), Hiroko Seki (Director/Manager), Judy Gilbertson (Performer/ Instructor), Doug Seki (Performer/ Instructor) and Vivian Seki (Performer/ Instructor)

Community
Description of the group's community - regional, ethnic, social, etc.

Based in the heart of Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles

Performances, Recordings, Publications

Performances
List a selection of your regular performance venues (for example, Denver Sakura Matsuri, Seabrook obon, business conventions, Manzanar Pilgrimage, Maui Marathon, etc.)

Zenshuji Obon, Nisei Week (Los Angeles)

Instructors, Teachers & Mentors
List the instructors, teachers and mentors who have worked with the ensemble.

Za Ondekoza, Aska Gumi, Kodo, Masakazu Yoshizawa

Taiko Collaborators
List a selection of taiko players or groups that have collaborated with the ensemble.

Za Ondekoza, San Jose Taiko, Kinnara Taiko, Aska Gumi

Non-Taiko Collaborators
List a selection of non-taiko players or groups that have collaborated with the ensemble.

Peter Erskine, Masakazu Yoshizawa, Krassimir, Richard Gibbs, Korn

Audio & Video Recordings
List a selection of publicly accessible audio and/or video recordings featuring the ensemble.

Motion Pictures: Charlie's Angels (2000), NARC (2002)
Motion Picture Trailer Soundtrack: Pearl Harbor (2001)