If your idea of Nippon performance is demure, white-powder-faced women fluttering fans to a subdued koto soundtrack, check out “An Evening of Neo-Traditional Japanese Music and Dance,” 7 and 9 p.m. Friday at rRed Elephant in Chinatown and be surprised. The show features a fusion of taiko, bamboo flutes, koto, percussion and dance in traditional and modern styles by notable artists Chieko Kojima (top), Kaoru Watanabe (bottom), Monami Shishikura and Kenny Endo. Get tickets, $22.50, at 550-8457 or www.honoluluboxoffice.com. See More…

The expression on the student government president’s face, the student with the 4.3 grade-point average and the No. 2 class ranking, could safely be described as confused. See More…