I asked Kyle about this sometime back, but wanted to put it out in public. Is there no Bachido group going to the taikai in Aomori this year? Kyle said the workshop in Tokyo might take its place this year, but I was wondering if anyone else had plans to make a group.
Also, any idea what will happen in following years?
Thanks.
If enough people are interested in going to the taikai, I think Kevin, who’s also teaching at the camp, would be very interested in leading a group there in May! 
Though I personally won’t be involved in the taikai this year, I would heartily support a 2015 Team Bachido. Especially if folks like you, Josh, Pat, and such folks living in Japan would be able to attend both events.
If those of us abroad only have enough time/resources to attend one event, I would suggest going to the shamisen camp, as high caliber players coming together to teach at an internationally-focused shamisen camp is truly a seminal moment for the future of shamisen globally, just as much as the first time Team Bachido took the stage in 2013. You (who’s reading) will not only benefit greatly from the high-level instruction, but by attending will show the Japanese shamisen world just how passionate the people in the global shamisen world are.
Bottom line: if you can attend both, go for it!
I’d agree with Kyle here! If you can just afford one, the camp would be the way to go! Additionally, I also further Kyle’s statement of support in that if there are people already in Japan who want to form another team Bachido for 2015 I would be all for that as well!
On the other hand…ERIC! You are back in Japan! Wha…wha…WHAT!?
I didn’t know! Wow! Come visit northern Japan! Like …now! I mean This weekend! Or even Tonight!!! Alright Dude. I’ll be setting up the guest room for you here so just stop in anytime man! YEAAAAHHHH !!!
I’m not confident enough to enter the taikai solo. I also don’t really know how to go about it. If anyone is putting a group together, I’ll be sure to join in. Super excited for the camp though!
KEVIN! I’d love to visit! I’ve been back in Japan for about six months now. Sorry for not getting in touch, I’m really bad at staying consistent on internet forums. Maybe sometime in December or January? You know, when it’s so cold I want to die. Sorry I can’t come any sooner.