Leaders

Derrick Iwata is an avid supporter of the cultural arts who uses his background in dance to help perpetuate both Japanese and Okinawan dance in Hawai‘i. He is the dance instructor of the Miyataki Hoon Kai which is based out of Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji on the island of Oahu where he has been taking dance since 2003 and currently holds the certificate of Konin Koshi or Teacher Assistant from the Japan Dance Association. He is also student of the Miyanagi Kai (2015), a local group of the Miyanagi Ryu Dance School where in 2018 he received his natorii (professional dance name) of Miyanagi Shinkichi. Derrick also leads an Exercise Through Bon Dance Class at Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji from 2018. He is a member of the Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai (2004), the President of the Hawaii Japanese Dance Association (member since 2005) and the Hilo Meishoin Tsukikage Odori Kai (2007). He also assists leading bon dance classes for the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Bon Dancersize class since 2000.

Eric Kobayashi (Assistant Dance Leader) is a graduate of the University of Hawaii with three majors, International Business, Management and Japanese, Eric joined the Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo 2009. In 2012 he went to Okinawa to attain his Shinjinsho or New Comers Award and in 2015 he was awarded the Yuushuusho or Award of Distinction. He uses his knowledge of Japanese and Okinawan language and culture to help perpetuate the cultures of Japan and Okinawa.

Guest leaders include:

Linda Asato, dance leader for the Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai is a senior Instructor for the Hooge Kai, Nakasone Dance Academy

Joyce Gushiken, dance leader for the Honolulu Fukushima Bon Dance Club is also a member of the Miyanagi Ryu Dance School

Jane Heit from the Hilo Meisho In Tsukikage Odori Kai is the President of the Hilo Meisho In Tsukikage Odori Kai

Lynette Hirota, dance leader for Waialua Hongwanji