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PLEASE NOTE - This space was created and is voluntarily updated by students of Sensei Mary Ohno. For correspondence with Mary Ohno please visit: www.kabukiacademy.org.

Most recently Mary Ohno has received Apprenticeship grants from the Washington State Arts Commission to assist Japanese-American students carry on the Naga-uta tradition. In September of 2008 her efforts created an oppotunity for 9 of her international students (above photos) to perform in honor of the Kine-Ie Grandmaster at the National Theatre of Japan in Tokyo.

To hear more of Mary Ohno and Naga-uta shamisen music on myspace also see student Aaron Wiley's naga-uta myspace to hear duets performed with Mary Sensei, and for the film My Lucy Charm:

Mary Ohno 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 the "Gordon Ekvall Tracie Award" from the 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 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 the 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 Tacoma, 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.