Tokyo Hula

Today an estimated 2 million people are dancing hula in Japan—a figure greater than the entire population of Hawaiʻi. With more people dancing hula in Japan than in Hawaiʻi, where the native art was born, this phenomenal growth has created a multi-million dollar industry based on culture as commodity. But what motivates Japanese students and teachers to dance hula, and how is it translated into a foreign culture? How do Native Hawaiians participate in this cross-cultural exchange? Through the personal stories of Hawaiian master hula teachers and Japanese teachers and dancers, Tokyo Hula documentary examines how tourism, economics, and a love affair with the islands of Hawaiʻi has made hula big business in Japan.

This film is available in the United States and Canada from 11/5-11/15.

Q&A LIVE on 11/10 at 8:30 P.M. EST