A conversation with Bando Hidesomi, official choreographer for the 83rd Nisei Week Festival.

By TOMOKO NAGAI

RAFU STAFF WRITER

Bando Hidesomi, the choreographer for the 83rd Nisei Week Japanese Festival Parade, has walked a path intimately tied to Japanese classical dance since her childhood.

Bridging cultures between Japan and the U.S., she continues to fulfill her mission of passing on tradition as both a Bando-style dancer and a steward of the local community.

In this interview, she reflects on her first encounter with Japanese dance, her mentors, her ties to the Japanese American community, and her commitment to cultural preservation. We listened closely to the quiet yet profound passion that animates her journey.

Encounter with Japanese Dance

Q: How did you first become involv

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