Japenese Benten-ya Musical Troupe coming to Carmel

Benten-ya, the renowned Japanese chindon troupe from Nagoya, Japan, brings its exciting musical act to Carmel.

Chindon is the lively and bright tradition of “street performers,” the original advertising style in Japan, where eye-catching entertainers parade through the streets with wild and colorful costumes playing musical instruments.

Benten-ya bridges tradition, playing Japanese folk songs alongside J-Pop and Anime songs. They have performed around the world and have been featured on television and in magazines. Benten-ya has won the National Chindon Competition, and in 2020, its performers were appointed as Nagoya Tourism Ambassadors.

The program also welcomes Professor Yasue Kuwahara of Northern Kentucky University with a short presentation on the history and traditions of chindon.

Photo provided

“Benten-ya’s visit will be a first for a chindon-style of performance in Indiana,” said Theresa Kulczak, Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Indiana. “It’s a rare opportunity and we’re excited for Hoosiers to have the chance to experience this entertaining tradition from Japan. The program has been priced with families in mind. All ages are welcomed.”

Presented by the Japan-America Society of Indiana, Benten-ya will perform at 7 p.m. March 6 at The Studio Theater at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets can be purchased at Allied Solutions Center’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office and at TheCenterPresents.org.

Benten-ya will also perform at Purdue University on March 5.

This performance is presented by the Japan-America Society of Indiana, with support from the Japan Foundation and the Indiana Japan Chamber.

About the Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI)
The Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization whose mission is to serve as a bridge of friendship between the people of Indiana and Japan through the promotion of cultural understanding and economic partnerships. The Society is supported by a statewide membership of businesses, communities, academic institutions, families, and individuals.