Season: 2017

Bushido performs new and traditional music for traditional Japanese musical instruments such as the shakuhachi, taiko, shinobue, shamisen, and koto. 尺八、太鼓、篠笛、三味線、琴などの和楽器を使って、伝統的な音楽と現代的な音楽を演奏します。 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PWQ2oI04XM&list=PLrZCXwSdzprD7x0pHLX9nSoi4PrMTY7wj&index=44 Where you can find them: Link Facebook Instagram

Iwama Shinshin Aikido Busenkai is under the supervision of Kenny Sembokuya Sensei, Student of Hitohira Saito Sensei. He was appointed as an instructor for the Busenkai Tokyo Branch in 2010, as well as the head instructor for Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. Busenkai also practices Tamiya-Ryu Iaijutsu. Canada Tamiya-Ryu Iaijutsu Genkei Branch … Read more

The first youth Taiko Ensemble formed in Canada in 1993. The membership includes 15 youth ages 9 to 31 years old. Chibi has been recognized as one of the most talented youth performing groups in BC. They have performed for Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver Children’s Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Nikkei Matsuri and of course … Read more

Japan Seiko-Kai Karate-Do Canada was established in 1970 and currently has over 1000 members nationally. We also have over 25 international branch clubs. They focus on teaching traditional methods of self-defense while promoting a balance between mind, body and spirit. Currently, they are increasing our focus on bullying-prevention activities, including collaboration with other martial arts … Read more

Founded in 1988 to provide a creative outlet for women performing with the confines of a then largely male-dominated cultural tradition, JODAIKO continues to bring together some of the top professional women taiko artists currently based throughout North America. Following the custom of returning for the hometown matsuri, Jodaiko members gather together each year for … Read more

Kisyuu creates big pieces of calligraphy art during her live performance. She uses a variety of brushes which is up to 100cm long to create her art. Japanese calligraphy is known as a quiet, delicate art, but here she shows the possibility and new aspect of Japanese calligraphy which is dynamic and lively. 姫州はライブ・パフォーマンスで大きな書道の作品を作ります。使用する筆は最大１００ｃｍのものを含め、さまざまです。日本の書道は、静かで繊細な芸術として知られていますが、姫州は書道のダイナミックで生き生きとした新しい側面を披露します。 Where … Read more

Katari Taiko: Canada’s first Taiko ensemble. In its 41st year, this exhilarating, intergenerational and multi-cultural percussion collective continues to pursue “a way to summon music from thunder.” Rooted in the Japanese-Canadian experience, and inspired by the social struggles and liberation movements of North America, it bridges cultures through athletic, powerful, and graceful performance that is … Read more

Katori Shinto-Ryu Kenjutsu is a classical martial art focusing on sword fighting techniques. They train to fight with traditional samurai weapons, including long and short swords, fighting staff, spears, and naginata (halberd). Modern kendo and iaido were born from the older schools of kenjutsu, but their techniques are practiced in their unmodified forms and the … Read more

Kaya & the Criers is a soulful group comprised of students and alumni of Capilano University’s Jazz Studies program. From pop tunes to reinterpretations of jazz standards, they got it all. カヤ＆クリアズは、キャピラノ大学ジャズ学部の学生と卒業生からなるソウルフルなグループです。ポップスから、ジャズ・スタンダードの編曲まで様々な曲を演奏します。 Where you can find them: Link Facebook Instagram

KAC Vancouver is a local group which studies the art of Japanese Archery known as kyudo. In kyudo, they strive to improve themselves through shooting. Kyudo is not limited to the act of shooting; it also encompasses all movement and postures in the dojo. KAC Vancouver is a member of the Kyudo Association of Canada, … Read more

Noor Dance Company was founded by Maki and Negma, two of Vancouver’s top belly dancers. They have been enthralling audiences around the world and are thrilled to be back dancing with their students at the Powell Street Festival. Maki has performed and taught in North America, Southeast Asia, and Japan. She is known for her … Read more

The omikoshi, or portable shrine, is an essential element of festivals all over Japan. The carriers, who are believed to be possessed by a divine spirit, rock the omikoshi vigorously; the more frenzied their efforts, the more good fortune is said to pass onto everyone. お神輿は、日本中のあらゆるお祭りで欠かせない存在です。神霊が宿ると信じられた人が神輿を担ぎ激しく揺さぶることで、人々に幸運がもたらされると考えられています。参加希望の方は、ジャクソン・ストリートのアレクサンダーより南にあるブースで申込をしてください。 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0ESq9b7Bs&list=PLrZCXwSdzprD7x0pHLX9nSoi4PrMTY7wj&index=53 Where you can find them: Link Facebook

Formed in 2016, Onibana Taiko are three veterans of Vancouver’s Taiko community whose performance presentations draw from Japanese folk rituals such as minyo and matsuri all with a touch of punk aesthetics. Through performance, Onibana allows audience members to commune with our ancestors via obon dance, song, sensu (fan) cheerleading, fue, shamisen and kick-ass taiko. … Read more

Otowa Ryu Japanese Dance Group has introduced Japanese traditional dances and folk dances at many festivals and events across Canada since the group was formed in 1971. The group consists of all ages, from Issei (1st generation) to Gosei (5th generation). 音羽流日本舞踊会は、1971年の結成以来、カナダ全国の多くのお祭りやイベントで日本の伝統的な舞踊や民謡踊りなどを広く紹介してきました。グループは１世から５世まで、幅広い年代のメンバーで構成されています。

Drawing on both contemporary and traditional repertoire, Sansho Daiko brings a fresh approach to an ancient art form, creating a visual and aural experience that crosses ethnic and cultural boundaries. Group members bring with them years of experience gained in other taiko groups and share a love of experimentation and exploration. Like the plant it … Read more

Formed in 1990, Sawagi Taiko is the first all Asian women’s taiko group in Canada. They are a multi-generational group of women of East Asian and Indigenous heritage, brought together by our shared passion for Japanese drumming. “Sawagi” means to “cause a commotion” in Japanese. With thunderous drum beats, stirring vocals, & martial-arts inspired choreography, … Read more

Aikido is a holistic practice combining physical techniques with mental discipline. Using powerful circular movements, aikido techniques embody the principle of non-resistance, wherein the defender moves in complete harmony with the attacker, bringing the conflict to a peaceful conclusion for both. Shohei Juku Aikido Canada was established to promote the art of Aikido as practiced … Read more

Shorinij Kempo are practitioners of shorinij kempo, a martial art that provides the benefits of self-defense, physical health, and spiritual development. Their common goal is to improve society by improving the lives of its members. 少林寺拳法は「護身練鍛」、「健康増進」、「精神修養」の三徳を兼ね備えた武道です。社会の構成員の生活を向上することが、少林寺拳法の目的とされます。 Where you can find them: Link Facebook

The Sakura Singers was formed 45 years ago, directed by Mrs. Ruth Suzuki, and was inaugurated into a Society in 2006. They promote the enjoyment of Japanese songs and better understanding and appreciation by all Canadians pertaining to Japanese Canadian culture. They invite anyone who loves to sing Japanese songs to join them. さくらシンガーズはRuth Suzuki指揮のもと45年前創設され、2006年にブリティッシュ・コロンビア州の非営利団体として登録されました。日本の歌を広く広めたり、日系カナダ人の文化への理解を深めるための活動をしています。日本の歌がお好きな方はぜひご参加ください。さくらシンガーズは、2年に一度コンサートを開催しています。 … Read more