Kabuki Academy

[AnaIkimaru]

Mary Ohno who was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and is fluent in both Japanese and English.
She has studied classical Japanese dance for 50 years and earned the professional license and its title of "Hanayagi Fumiryu" in July 1966. She has also studied classical Japanese music "Naga-uta style shamisen" for 35 years and earned the professional license and its title of "Kine-ie Yanacho" in March 1974.

Mary Ohno has received "Gordon Ekvall Tracie Award" from Ethnic Heritage Council in February 22, 2002. This Award is given to an ethnic performing artist who has made significant contributions in the development and presentation of the traditional arts in U.S.A. Mary Ohno is not only as the first Japanese recipient but also the first Asian Artist to be chosen as a recipient of this prestigious award.

As an accomplished performer, she has given a number of recitals and concerts in those Japanese arts at several large theaters, such as Mitsukoshi Hall, Asakusa City Hall, The National Theatre, and Meiji-za Theatre in Tokyo, Japan.

Mary Ohno has moved to the United States from Tokyo, Japan, and now she lives in Tocoma, Washington for the purpose of introducing traditional Japanese Arts. Her Japanese dancing in beautifully authentic kimonos is preceded by her English explanation of the number she is about to play so the audience will have no difficulty in understanding every detail of her performance.

Mary Ohno is accepting engagements to perform for those interested in the traditions of Japan, and offers classes in Japanese dance , shamisen music and Japanese language (Nihon-go) for individuals or groups. She has been teaching Japanese language & Culture at the Tacoma Community College (Lifelong Education) and Stadium High School, in Tacoma, WA.

Although, Mary Ohno is a pure Japanese, she speaks fluent English, because of her father Joe Tadaichi Hirakawa, better known as "Uncle Come Come" who was the founder of Come Come English and taught English conversation throughout Japan since 1946, with his original and unique style of "happy learning English." While, Mary Ohno's mother was born in Kanda in Tokyo, means "a bona-fide Tokyoite" (EDO-KKO). Mary Ohno was brought up in that environment of well blend American and Japanese cultures. Furthermore, her father "Uncle Come Come" had not only taught English conversation but also introduced American cultures and traditions to Japanese through his 15-minute-program on the radio, everyday, while Mary Ohno is now trying to strive for reversal cultural exchange by teaching Japanese dance, music and language and introducing Japanese cultures to American people. Her lifeworks never fade until her dreams come true.



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