Toshikazu
Leader of
the Izena Shoen drum troupe. When he was young Toshikazu went to Tokyo to
study traditional Japanese confection (wagashi) making. He now
works in the planning department of the Izena village office, where he has
been actively involved in supporting our Deai Photo Essay Cafe trip.
Shun'ichi on Toshikazu: "Toshikazu-san is the Shoen drum troupe leader.
That means he can be tough on us sometimes, but when I was elected president
of the student council at my high school, I came to appreciate the role
he plays."
Thank you for putting up with the turbulent seas yesterday
to come here. The Shoen drum troupe was established in 1988. It was started
because we realized that there were no events or cultural activities named
after our famous king. It is my job to organize the village's cultural festivals
and events, promote understanding of the island among non-residents, and
fill the island with tourists!