Having recently brought in two new members who were born and trained in Japan, Sansho Daiko is stretching our wings and finding new ways to express our West Coast taiko aesthetic within a framework of mutual growth and learning. Through mask work and the use of pre-recorded sounds, we are exploring an ever-more ecological approach, … Read more
Rina and the Japanese Min’yō Band, specializes in Tohoku Min’yō, a folk music style from northern Japan. Performing since 2011 in Victoria, BC, the group brings Japanese folk traditions to life. Led by min’yō singer and shamisen player Rina Kikuchi, the band features Mitsuko on vocals, Danny on Shamisen, Don on vocals, backup vocals, and … Read more
Foxgloves is an Asian-Canadian shoe-gazing indie pop band from Vancouver BC comprised of musicians with decades-long histories in Vancouver’s art and indie music scene: Miko Hoffman (Gaze, The Birthday Machine), Lyndsay Sung (Radio Berlin, KCAR), media artist Rafael Tsuchida and sound and visual artist Brady Cranfield. Guitar, bass, synth, harmony vocals and drums – Foxgloves … Read more
Youshinkan Dojo practices Kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art that aims to cultivate not only technical skill and physical strength, but also mental discipline. The ultimate purpose of Kendo is to develop one’s character and attain a sense of “humanity.” The dojo invites audiences to discover the essence of Kendo through this demonstration. At Youshinkan … Read more
We are an organization dedicated to the practice, preservation, and promotion of the classical martial arts of Japan. We will demonstrate representative techniques from a Muromachi-era martial system called
A staple of any Matsuri! This is your chance to dance to the famous Tanko Bushi, the coal miners’ song. The steps are simple, so everyone can take part, even those with two left feet! 祭りの定番！かつて炭坑労働者によって歌われた「炭坑節」に合わせて踊りましょう。ステップは簡単。不器用な人でも踊れます！
Festival visitors are encouraged to take part in this exciting competition. To win, you must force your opponent out of the circle! But if you get forced out – or if any of your body parts other than the soles of your feet touch the dohyo (ring) – you lose! There will be two categories … Read more
3:00 – 3:15 pm & 5:00 – 5:15 pm, 午後3時〜3時15分、午後5時〜5時15分 The Vancouver Buddhist Temple is the first Buddhist Temple in Canada and was established in 1904. The current temple building was constructed 35 years ago and contains a beautiful sanctuary originally constructed in Japan. Come meet a monk and see where generations of Canadian Shinshu … Read more
Daruma, the traditional Japanese “wishing doll,” greets festival goers throughout the weekend. Post your photos @powellstfest #powellstfest. Costume design by Diane Park. フェスティバル開催中、ダルマが来場者の皆様に挨拶にまわります。ダルマと写真を撮って@powellstfest #powellstfestのタグをつけて投稿してください！ コスチュームデザイン：ダイアン・パーク
Location: Interactive Zone (Oppenheimer Park) オッペンハイマー公園内インタラクティブゾーン Batter up! Can you strike out an Asahi baseball star? Pitch balls past the batter’s swing to win an assortment of prizes. All ages. $3 for three balls, $5 for six balls. 「打席につけ！」朝日軍の野球選手を三振させられますか？空振りをとったピッチャーには、様々な賞品を用意しています。全年齢対象。3球3ドル、6球5ドル。
A Vancouver-based amateur Japanese theatrical group formed in 1994. They perform Japanese comedies, folktales, and staged readings at various community events. In Japanese with English subtitles. Za Daikon presents the story of Katsugoro, a skilled but often unreliable fishmonger who sells fresh seafood from a shoulder pole. Despite his talent, Katsugoro is a heavy drinker … Read more
The Labyrinth of Messages is an immersive, interactive fusion of sight and sound. Constructed from LED lights, the labyrinth guides visitors to its center, where they are invited to write a personal message. These messages are then projected onto a large screen and paired with original visual compositions and ambient electronic music. Performed across Vancouver … Read more
At the Powell Street Festival, the Consulate General of Japan’s booth offers travel brochures, information on exchange programs, and cultural displays to promote relations between Japan and Canada. Visitors can explore tourism pamphlets, flyers, and magazines about Japan, as well as information on the Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme (JET) and Study in Japan scholarships … Read more
Saturday, 2:00 – 2:30 pm, 4:00 – 4:30 pm 土曜日 午後2時～2時30分、4時～4時30分 The Vancouver Ikebana Association is a not-for-profit organization that aims to educate the community and promote the Japanese art of floral design (ikebana) within the lower mainland. Ikebana – Japanese floral design – will be on display and feature the styles of four different … Read more
With a hope to train the next generation of Taiko players in Vancouver, Chibi Taiko was the first Canadian Youth Taiko Drumming ensemble, founded in 1993. They have since played an active role in performance to promote this unique performing art form by participating in various cultural events such as the Powell Street Festival throughout … 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
GO Taiko is only the second youth taiko group in BC. They began from free afterschool taiko lessons at Admiral Seymour Elementary School, only a few blocks away from Oppenheimer Park. They have performed at the PNE, CTV Evening News, BC Lions Halftime show, Grey Cup Cultural Festival, and Asahi Anniversary Baseball Game. GO Taiko … Read more
Kohei Yoshino is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter whose music spans from slow acoustic ballads to upbeat, rhythm-driven tunes featuring acoustic guitar, drum pad, and harmonica. His performance at the Powell Street Festival will feature original Japanese songs written over the past decade, alongside well-loved Japanese folk and pop classics. Kohei began playing acoustic guitar at age … Read more
When War started with Japan in 1941, Vancouver politicians led the campaign to demonize every civilian of “the Japanese Race” and clear them from B.C. coastal communities. Even after war ended in 1945, they attempted to deport every Japanese Canadian penniless, having taken every dollar possible from them. Hastings Park in 1942, officially was called … Read more
An eclectic repertoire of traditional, folk, pop, rock, new age, and world music Experience the enchanting harmony of East and West as the koto/guzheng, violin, and piano come together to create a mesmerizing musical conversation that bridges the ancient and the contemporary. With Pico’s powerful yet crystal voice blending seamlessly with traditional Asian instruments and … Read more
Onibana Taiko blends kick-ass taiko with traditional Japanese folk art forms and a fierce feminist queer punk aesthetic. Featuring E. Kage and NoriNori — queer and gender non-binary settlers of Japanese ancestry — the duo creates taiko with full-body, resonant beats driven by the sounds of tsugaru shamisen, and soul-piercing traditional vocals. Their work invites … Read more
