Winter
Kiji hajimete naku | Pheasants Start to Call
Ukuleles for Little Tokyo
Ukuleles for Little Tokyo is a free, bilingual English-Japanese music program specifically designed for local older adults, led by ukulele instructors Chester Ikei, Bob Takata, and Ken Nakaba. This program celebrates the ukulele’s rich cultural legacy and its ability to foster joy, connection, and creativity across generations.
Spanning two semesters—Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer—the program offers engaging weekly sessions tailored to participants 60 and older. Each class explores the fundamentals of ukulele playing while highlighting its historical and cultural significance, particularly its unique ties to Japanese heritage.
Participants have access to loan ukuleles and opportunities to share their musical journey with peers. The semester concludes with a community recital, where students can perform and showcase their progress, contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of Little Tokyo.
In partnership with Sustainable Little Tokyo, this program emphasizes intergenerational and intercultural engagement while preserving and celebrating Japanese heritage through the joyful art of music.