J.A.M.S. - Jodo Shinshu Artists & Musicians Showcase

Check out the photos from our Dec. 6th concert at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento.

Back:  Sydney Shiroyama, Emily Imazumi, Lisa Orpilla, Vicky Zhang, Koichi Mizushima. Front:  Tomomi Angelica Emori, Henry Mizushima, Ellie Mizushima, Miharu Okamura, Miko Shudo, Kendall Tani, Brian Hatano, Rev Yuki Sugahara.

Co-hosts Sydney Shiroyama and Koichi Mizushima — Sydney recently completed Tokudo, training and ordination to become a Jodo Shinshu reverend.

Daughter and dad duo — Ellie Mizushima (now a UC Davis student) and Koichi Mizushima.

Brian Hatano has been playing the trumpet for over 50 years.

Singer and songwriter Miko Shudo, with the group Bonbu Stories, is one of the lead vocals on “Lantern Song,” along with Miharu Okamura.

Ellie Mizushima, Lisa Orpilla from the group Cherry Blossomz, and Koichi Mizushima

Sydney Shiroyama, a member of Bonbu Stories, plays beautifully on the koto.

Henry Mizushima performs a heartfelt Japanese song, “Woman on the Shore.”

Lisa Orpilla from the group Cherry Blossomz and Miko Shudo with Bonbu Stories.

Tomomi Angelica Emori performs “Lost, I Miss You,” in memory of her late grandmother.

Ellie Mizushima with her dad, Sensei Koichi Mizushima, on ukulele, who is the founder of the J.A.M.S. Showcase.

Ellie Mizushima and Koichi Mizushima on piano.

Rev. Yuki Sugihara played two of his favorite guitars.

Miharu Okamura of Bonbu Stories has a voice that some folks say is reminiscent of singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman.

Miharu Okamura of Bonbu Stories is one of the lead vocals on “Lantern Song.” She cowrote the song with Miko Shudo.

Brian Hatano and Rev. Yuki Sugahara

Lisa Orpilla with the group Cherry Blossomz

Kendall Tani with Bonbu Stories recites her original poetry.

Rev. Yuki Sugahara’s two guitars and Sensei Koichi Mizushima’s ukulele.

Tomomi Angelica Emori is a pianist, singer and songwriter.

Our Sangha has watched Ellie Mizushima grow up to become an accomplished performer.

Bonbu J.A.M.S. (JodoShinshu Artists & Musicians Showcase) recently shared a wonderful afternoon of heartfelt music and art with our Sangha community. 

 The group Bonbu Stories performed their original, “Lantern Song,” a contemporary folk piece commissioned by the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) for its 125th anniversary and choreographed into a popular Bon Odori dance.

“When I get the opportunity to perform in front of a Sangha, it’s hard to describe,” said Miharu Okamura, who, along with fellow Bonbu Stories member Miko Shudo, composed Lantern Song. “It’s a thrilling experience. It’s a rush and warm experience when I can connect to the Sangha in the form of music, song and storytelling.”

The event took place Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and featured performers from the Bay Area, as well as Rev. Yuki Sugahara, and temple members Brian Hatano and Henry, Koichi and Ellie Mizushima.  

During the two-hour show, Miko performed another original composition, “My Pain, My Joy,” which she wrote while attending music therapy school. Growing up as a Buddhist inspired Miko in writing this song.  

“The song is about mindfulness, basically - awareness about all the emotions that happen and noticing them without judgment,” explained Miko. “A meditation on feelings and celebrating both the positive and negative, and how all of these emotions can make life complex but beautiful.”  

Some of our Sangha members were brought to tears when pianist and vocalist Tomomi Angelica Emori performed “Lost, I Miss You,” which she wrote in memory of her beloved grandmother, who passed away in February. 

“Music, for me, is healing. It’s working through what I’m feeling in my head and feeling in my heart,” said Tomomi. “It’s a self-discovery process and with that, a healing process.”  

Koichi, one of our minister’s assistants and a BCA staff member, founded J.A.M.S. The event was originally an online talent show started during the pandemic. It has since grown into an in-person concert, performed at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church and at our Betsuin, with more shows to come.  

“Supporting young artists gives them a platform to create and perform their art. The Sacramento Betsuin, through our Legacy Endowment Fund, is proud to be a supporter of these types of events,” said Koichi.

You can view the entire show on the Buddhist Church of Sacramento YouTube Channel at bit.ly/4rZEKf3.