Greetings all ye members interested in joining Team Bachido!
As I mentioned previously, Team Bachido will be returning to Japan this May.
Nitta san is still working out the details before we start making an official Team Bachido Application Packet. In the meantime, I have a tentative schedule to help your planning and ticket purchasing decisions. Read on!
Tour of Team Bachido
Day 1 (May 2nd): All members of Team Bachido meet in Misawa near/at Kevin’s place. We will have our first official practice and fun after-party.
Note: It would be advisable to come at least one day early (May 1st) to get settled or time to relax, if you wish.
Day 2 (May 3rd): We board the Team Bachido Party Bus (attack!) and head to the Aomori Taikai.
The Individual Division is this day (or the next day), so anyone who signs up for a solo piece will be competing on this day (or the next day)
In the evening, we drive to Fujimirando, the Japanese-style hotel with a big hall for rehearsals.
Day 3 (May 4th): Team Bachido hits the stage in the Group Division! We will all be wearing Bachido Happi, so prepare to feel legit!
Day 4 (May 5th): We return to Misawa.
At this point, the tour is officially over. Members can return to Tokyo, Head up to Sapporo, stay in Misawa or go anywhere they like.
Don’t go too far though! The world’s first Bachido Festival will be held in Sapporo on May 8th!!
May 7th: Workshops with Nitta san will be offered for anyone who’d like to take advantage of special training.
May 8th: The Bachido Festival! (details will come)
May 9th: As a celebratory rest, Nitta san would like to arrange a sightseeing trip to Otaru, a beautiful spot in Sapporo. Entirely optional, but would be a fun time. Travel costs would be about 2000 yen per person.
And that’s it! More details will be coming, but anyone planning to attend, expect the shenanigans to happen from May 2nd to May 9th. Feel free to plan a few extra days before & after the taikai for sightseeing, or spontaneous plans! 
I hope to see you there! It’s an incredible adventure to visit Japan and experience a world of shamisen all around you. (Oh yeah, bring ear plugs!) Check out Josh D’s video overview for a peek into what went on at the last tour!
If you are seriously considering entering Team Bachido (which I encourage you to do! ), please respond ASAP. Knowing how many might come will help us with our calculations.
Next, if you are coming, will you need to rent a shamisen set, or will you be bringing your own? Rentals are available, so let us know if you need one!
Take vacation!!!
Kyle Abbott
