About

The academy was founded by Hanayagi Mitsuaki (Viola Ikie Hosokawa) in 1947. It was established on the guiding principle of preserving and perpetuating the classical performing arts of Japan in Hawaii. The academy later incorporated as a non-profit under the name Hanayagi Dancing Academy – Hawaii Foundation in 2004. Today, the academy offers lessons in classical Japanese dance and shamisen and students and teachers alike often perform at various cultural events around Oahu.

Current officers:
Lorraine Kadota (Hanayagi Mitsuai), principal
Teruo Bryson Goda (Kineya Sakio), shamisen principal and vice president
Craig Nakahara, president