Founded in 2018 by Rieko Kotoku, who grew up in Japan’s southwestern Tottori prefecture, and Sawako Ama, who was born and raised in a Buddhist temple in southern Japan, KOHAKU is a singular collaboration steeped in traditional Japanese performing arts such as taiko drumming, kagura (a ritual dance associated with Shinto shrines) and a variety of other sacred performance practices. While these traditions date back many centuries, KOHAKU is also deeply engaged with contemporary Japanese dance and world fusion. Passionate about sharing Japan’s sumptuously rich aesthetic heritage, KOHAKU seeks to spread deeper awareness and appreciation of the country’s culture. The creative offerings reveal the comical, poignant and spiritual aspects of Japanese culture and Shinto traditions with performances designed to leave audiences with new experiences of joy and happiness.