Season: 2014

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

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

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

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

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。

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

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

We are an organization dedicated to the practice, preservation, and promotion of the classical martial arts of Japan. For more information on us, please reference www.shofukan.ca. UBC古流柔術クラブは日本の戦国時代または江戸時代に武士によって作られた格闘技の振古、研究をしている団体です。このクラブの指導者は皆、日本で古武道を習い免許を取得しました。 Where you can find them: Link

Iaido is a traditional Samurai martial art using Japanese swords. The Vancouver Eishin-Ryu Iaido Club practices the classical form of iaido, known as Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu. This martial art dates back over 450 years and is unbroken in its transmission through the ages. They will demonstrate traditional forms of sword combat. 居合道は、約450年前に発祥し、時を経て現代まで変わらず伝わる剣技です。バンクーバー英信流居合道クラブは、無双直伝英信流という古来の居合道の流派に属します。パウエル祭では、伝統的な剣戦の型を披露します。 Where you can … Read more

Vancouver Okinawa Taiko has been performing at numerous cultural festivals, charity functions, and anniversary events in North America for over a decade. The group’s aim is to share Okinawan style drum-dancing and to promote Okinawan culture. Their membership is made up of several generations to reflect this grassroots folk art. バンクーバー沖縄太鼓は、過去10年以上にわたって、北米の様々なフェスティバルや、チャリティー・イベント、記念行事で演奏してきました。グループの目的は、沖縄の太鼓舞踊と沖縄文化を紹介することです。草の根の民族文化を反映し、世代をまたがったメンバーで構成されています。 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JVw1s5NUsQ&list=PLrZCXwSdzprD7x0pHLX9nSoi4PrMTY7wj&index=59 Where you can … Read more

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art based upon the principle of harmony through connection, balance, and timing. It is an extremely powerful form of self-defense that is also gentle and non-aggressive: carefully controlling an attacker using the attacker’s own energy. Strength is not emphasized because the use of physical strength is unnecessary. Shioda Aikido … Read more

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. 座・だいこんは、1994年に結成されたバンクーバーのアマチュア劇団です。これまで様々なコミュニティーイベントで、狂言や民話、舞台朗読などを披露してきました。日本語、英語スクリーン字幕付。 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wdfUw1mFUg&list=PLrZCXwSdzprD7x0pHLX9nSoi4PrMTY7wj&index=61 Where you can find them: Link

Caitlan & Chika is a West Coast folk project made up of fiddler Caitlan Read and guitarist Chika Buston. Grounding themselves in traditional fiddle music, they invent unusual, heartfelt melodies and weave them with a relaxed and soulful rhythmic sensibility. Caitlan and Chika’s greatest delight is in potentiating fun, celebration, and joy in their audiences! … Read more