RIT’s Kaminari a cappella group brings Japanese music to life through vocal harmony

Rochester, New York – Music has always been a universal language, and at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), one a cappella group is proving just how powerful it can be in bridging cultures. Kaminari, one of the seven a cappella groups on campus, is dedicated to sharing the beauty of music beyond language barriers, bringing a unique cultural experience to their audiences.

With a name that means “thunder” in Japanese, Kaminari has spent the past decade introducing students and faculty to the diverse world of a cappella music sung entirely in Japanese. Their passion for music transcends words, and they aim to help people discover songs they might not have explored on their own. Now, as they celebrate their 10th anniversary, the group is preparing for a special concert that promises to be a memorable event for all who attend.

The anniversary concert, set for April 13 at 7 p.m. in Ingle Auditorium, will not only showcase Kaminari’s vocal talents but will also feature performances by Wadaiko, a Japanese taiko drumming group, and a small ensemble from the RIT Game Symphony Orchestra. The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to experience a rich blend of musical traditions.

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“I understand very little of the literal meaning of our lyrics, but I do understand the meaning of all our songs,” said Kaminari President Aemilia Blais, a fourth-year computer science major from Smithfield, R.I. “If you only listen to music in English, you’re missing out on so many amazing songs. I hope that Kaminari is able to show people some great songs that they might not have heard before and encourage them to step outside their musical comfort zones.”

Although some members of Kaminari have Japanese heritage, most do not. Many current members study the language through RIT classes or other programs, and one member fluent in Japanese helps others understand the meaning behind the lyrics. This, according to Blais, is a crucial aspect of their performances.

“This is super important for us because if the audience can’t understand the exact words we are saying, we still want them to be able to experience the feeling and meaning within the songs,” Blais explained. “So to convey this meaning, we as the performers need to be able to understand it ourselves.”

The group focuses on enhancing their performances with carefully placed choreography, vocal dynamics, and expressive interpretations, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the language can connect with the music emotionally. Through these elements, Kaminari aims to break down language barriers and create an immersive musical experience.

Learning and rehearsing for Kaminari involves unique techniques, but Blais explains that the process is not drastically different from traditional a cappella training. To help with memorization, she uses color-coded documents and syllables while also listening to original recordings.

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“Learning music for Kaminari is not that different from learning music for an a cappella group that sings in English,” Blais said. “If you think about it, in most a cappella arrangements, the majority of the group isn’t singing words all the time. Instead, they’ll be singing syllables like ‘ooh,’ ‘da,’ and, ‘ah,’ which we do too. The only difference is that when there are words, ours are in Japanese.”

Kaminari has also been making waves outside of campus. This year, they marked their second appearance in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, an impressive achievement that highlights their growth and dedication to their craft. Additionally, they are preparing to perform at the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival on April 27 at 11:45 a.m., an event that will allow them to showcase their talents to an even broader audience.

With a decade of performances behind them and an exciting future ahead, Kaminari continues to inspire and connect people through the universal language of music. Their journey proves that music goes beyond words—it is about feeling, passion, and shared experiences. As they step onto the stage for their 10th-anniversary concert, they invite the community to join them in celebrating the power of music that knows no borders.