‘the eight directions of the wind’ Listening Session Two: Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Sun., March 22, 2026, 10–11:45 a.m.
Free with reservation
Japanese Heritage Shōya House
Each session features a hi-fi sound system and a single-key vinyl recording—with accompanying physical liner notes—that tie the exhibition to musical histories and communities across Los Angeles and invite listeners to dive deeper into the historical contexts of each selection.
Session two focuses on the self-titled 1979 debut album by the trailblazing Los Angeles band Hiroshima. Formed by Dan Kuramoto and June Kuramoto, Hiroshima pioneered a singular L.A. sound that merged Japanese koto and taiko with jazz, R&B, pop, and funk. Their debut for Arista Records—a landmark of Asian American music— had roots in music scenes in Boyle Heights and Koreatown, and in histories of war, discrimination, protest, and imprisonment that shaped the band’s biographies.
The event will feature a conversation with June Kuramoto and a special live performance by multi-instrumentalist Patrick Shiroishi and butoh dancer and vocalist Kyoko Takenaka.
Curated by exhibition creative director and music scholar Josh Kun in partnership with In Sheep's Clothing, listening sessions will take place in different locations across The Huntington’s grounds in the months ahead.
Save the dates for future sessions:
- Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
Key Details
Registration includes free admission to The Huntington.
Limit two tickets per person.
Check in with Education staff at Admission window #10 at 9:15 a.m.
Please allow 15-20 minutes to walk to the Japanese Heritage Shōya House. Limited shuttle service will be available. The listening session will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
Please bring registration confirmation with you.
For questions about this event, please contact publicprograms@huntington.org
Attendees listen to music during the first In Sheep’s Clothing session on Nov. 9, 2025. Photo by Linnea Stephan. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
In-Person Class Ticketing Policies
- Tickets are not sold at the door for this event.
- To join the waitlist for this event, please email publicprograms@huntington.org. A space is not guaranteed, but you will be contacted if a space becomes available.
- To receive a refund, you must cancel at least 5 days prior to the event. Cancellations made within 5 days of the event will not be refunded.
- Members may receive a discount for up to two tickets.
Top image: In Sheep’s Clothing plays vinyl records during the listening sessions. Photo by Linnea Stephan. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.