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Performers & Martial Arts Groups

Appare Yosakoi Vancouver

Lively dance with wooden instruments called naruko

We are APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver, the first Yosakoi team in the west coast of Canada! We dance Yosakoi to light up the city of “RAIN”couver and bring smiles, energy and joy to people here. The name has double meanings; “the characters for APPARE; 天晴 mean ‘clear the sky and sunny’ ” and “あっぱれ is a word people shout out after seeing an excellent performance in Japan”. Our team motto is “Smile, Shout, and Enjoy”! Watch people from all over the world unite together through Yosakoi regardless of their background! APPARE!!

Chibi Taiko

First children’s taiko ensemble in Canada

Chibi Taiko was the first children’s taiko ensemble in Canada, formed in the fall of 1993 with the goal of passing this unique and dynamic performing art on to the next generation of Asian Canadians. Chibi Taiko has held their practices here since the building opened in 2000 and some of the members are not so chibi anymore, but their passion remains contagious!  The group’s philosophy emphasizes cooperation, leadership, responsibility, and spirituality in addition to the physical and musical discipline needed to build a cohesive and dynamic taiko ensemble. 

CoSei (Pico&Seira)

Koto and piano duo

Experience the enchanting harmony of East and West as the koto — a traditional Asian stringed instrument (known as guzheng in China) — intertwines with the piano in a captivating musical dialogue that transcends cultures and eras.

From the serene elegance of Japanese tradition to the vibrant spirit of modern music, their repertoire weaves a rich tapestry of cultural fusion, with the dynamic energy of pop and rock adding an exhilarating twist.

Go Taiko

2nd youth taiko group in BC

GO Taiko is only the second youth Taiko group in BC. Their roots are in East and South Vancouver. GO Taiko has been performing for over 10 years and have participated in the Powell Street Japanese Canadian Festival, BC Lions Half -Time Show,

The fair at The PNE, Richmond Maritime Festival, Vancouver Grey Cup Cultural Festival, CTV Evening News, Steveston Salmon Festival and Hyack Festival Parades, and at the Asahi Tribute Night for the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Team.

GO Taiko is proud to share Japanese culture through the power of the drums.

Hitotose​​

Japanese sword fighting performances by actors Haruno Niiyama and Yuki Kedoin

Hitotose is a performance group specializing in traditional Japanese samurai sword performing arts, known as Tate (殺陣). Tate is a Japanese style of stage combat, commonly seen in samurai films, that, unlike martial arts, is a performing art designed to entertain and tell a story. Hitotose’s founders, Haruno Niiyama and Yuki Kedoin, are also professional actors. Their recent credits include Shōgun / 将軍 (in which they appeared as principal characters, portraying Natsu no Kata and Takemaru), Pachinko Season 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and more. With extensive international experience, Hitotose brings creative expression through swordplay, acting, and dance, offering vibrant cultural experiences to share samurai entertainment. They teach Tate classes at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre through the Samurai Cinema Club. Their students will be performing at the Nikkei Matsuri!

Kotononekai

Koto players led by koto master Yuriko Nariya

“Koto No Ne Kai（Koto Ensemble)” is a group of local Koto students led by Yuriko Nariya of Miyagi-kai. We play in the traditional manner and have played at many local events, senior homes, schools, etc., as volunteers. We have played at Nikkei Matsuri for many years.

 

「箏乃音会」（ことのねかい）は、宮城会の成谷百合子先生とその生徒を中心として、日本伝統楽器のひとつ琴を楽しむ会です。通常のお稽古の他、活動としてはローカルイベントでの演奏、またシニアホームや学校などでボランティアで演奏しています。長年、日系祭りで演奏しています。

Non Sweet

Local Japanese pop music group

Non Sweet （ノン・スイート）is a Japanese-pop music group local to Vancouver, that aims to empower, inspire and bring joy to people all over the world.

Heavily influenced by the Japanese idol culture, Non Sweet delivers an engaging musical experience combining live vocals and dance. All of their original music is crafted in collaboration with their sound producer in Japan, while the members take creative lead on lyrics, choreography and concept for each release. Their recent first album, Wake Up!, has been met with enthusiasm, showcasing the group’s versatility and artistic growth.

Non Sweet has graced stages at various music festivals and cultural events across Canada, the U.S., and Japan, including Khatsahlano Street Party, Sakura Days Japan Fair and Anime Expo. Dedicated to spreading idol culture worldwide, they continually seek new opportunities to connect with global audiences.

Mikoshi Rakuichi

Mikoshi (portable shrines), festive tunes, and lion dance.

Rakuichi is known for their high-energy demonstrations of omikoshi at major festivals in Greater Vancouver, including the Canada Day Parade and Powell Street Festival. They also perform Shishi Mai dance with Japanese instruments.

Rainy Night Troubles

Classic rock duo

We’re Rainy Night Troubles a duo of guitars (Toshi Osawa) and vocals (Kathy Hori) that pops up in events and festivals around BC bringing a collage of pop, rock and anime music. We are so excited to be part of Nikkei Matsuri this year! We will bringing the World of Ghibli to you this year guaranteed to make you sing along!

Satsuki-kai

Formal Japanese dance group

The Nishikawa-ryu Canada Satsuki-kai Japanese Dance Group was formed in May 2011 with the goal of learning and enjoying Japanese dance in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere under the direction of dancing master Kayo Nishikawa of the Nishikawa School of classical Japanese dance.  

 

Sadly, our beloved teacher Kayo Nishikawa (Yoko-sensei) passed away suddenly on March 26th of this year so our participation at the Nikkei Summer Festival will be our first without her and will be especially poignant.

 

Satsuki-kai remains committed, however, to carry on Yoko-sensei’s legacy; to continue to help people learn and enjoy Nihon Buyo (Japanese Dance). To do this, we are very fortunate to receive instruction and guidance from the Nishikawa-ryu Headquarters in Japan. 

 

The Satsuki-kai dance class is held every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm here at the Nikkei Center. If you are interested, please come and join us.

to connect with global audiences.

Southern Wave Okinawan Music & Dance Society

Showcasing Okinawan culture through music and dance

Southern Wave Okinawan Music and Dance Society was founded in 2020 during the pandemic as a non-profit organization. Our mission is to share the unique and vibrant culture of Okinawa with the community and contribute to cultural diversity. We aim to spread the joy of playing the sanshin (a traditional three-stringed Okinawan instrument) and celebrate the rich variety of Okinawan music and dance. One of our key goals is to serve as a bridge between sanshin craftspeople and Okinawan performing artists to Canada to foster deeper connections within our communities.

Vancouver Okinawa Taiko

Okinawan-style drumming and dancing with traditional and contemporary music

Vancouver Okinawa Taiko, founded in 2004, has been performing in numerous community festivals, charity functions and anniversary events for just over two decades. The group’s aim is to promote and preserve Okinawan style drum-dancing Eisa, and to share Okinawan cultural heritage. The membership consists of a mixed generation to reflect the presentation of grassroots folk art. We hope to deliver the Okinawan spirit through the beat of our drums and harmonies of our dance.

Wailele Wai Wai

Performing contemporary Hawaiian hula with rhythmic storytelling

We are a Hawaiian hula group named Wailele Wai Wai, founded in 2006 in Vancouver, BC. Our focus is on contemporary Hawaiian hula, utilizing expressive hand and arm movements to tell stories. We strive to embody the Aloha Spirit and share love and happiness through our performances at various multicultural events.

 

Wailele Wai Wai invites you on a journey to the beautiful islands of Hawaii through our captivating performances.

SABO of BC Ninja Union

Japanese Ninja Interactive Performance

About the Performer
SABO is a Japanese performer specializing in traditional ninja action and stage combat.

With over 7 years of experience in martial arts and theatrical performance, he has appeared in historical dramas and major productions in Japan, including NHK’s Taiga series.

Now based in Canada, SABO brings the spirit and skill of the ninja to life through powerful live shows and workshops.

He shares the traditional movement and spirit of ninjas and samurais as timeless practices that inspire a better and more meaningful life today.

Ishikawa Family Judo Club
石川ファミリー柔道クラブ

Ishikawa Family Judo Club emphasizes the fundamental principles of judo, including throws, pins, and joint locks, in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to enhance your self-defense skills, improve your fitness, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, our Judo Program offers a well-rounded experience for individuals of all ages. Join us on the journey of self-improvement, respect, and skill development through the art of judo.

石川ファミリー柔道クラブは、安全で支援的な環境で、投げ技、固め技、関節技などの柔道の基本原則を重視しています。自己防衛スキルを向上させたい、フィットネスを改善したい、または単に志を同じくする仲間たちとの親交を楽しみたい方々に、私たちの柔道プログラムは、あらゆる年齢層の個人にとって幅広い経験を提供します。柔道の芸術を通じた自己向上、尊重、スキル開発の旅に一緒に参加しましょう。

Shorinji Kempo
少林寺拳法

Founded in Japan in 1947 by Doshin So, Shorinji Kempo is a way of developing individuals. It uniquely blends a system of self-defense techniques and philosophical teachings. Shorinji Kempo has expanded to 41 countries around the globe. In British Columbia, there are three branches: two in Vancouver and one in Coquitlam.

少林寺拳法は1947 年、日本において宗道臣が創始した”人づくりの行”です。それは、護身術 の体系と哲学的な教えを独自に組み合わせたものです。少林寺拳法は世界41カ国に広がっ ています。ブリティッシュコロンビア州には3つの支部があり、バンクーバーに 2 つ、コキットラ ムに 1 つあります。

Aikido Vancouver Shomonkai
バンクーバー祥門会合気道

Aikido is a modern martial art based on Kenjutsu and Jujutsu. Also called the “Art of Peace” or “Moving Zen”, the goals of training are development of strength and mastery of personality. Vancouver Shomonkai Aikido’s mission is to use Aikido to foster wellness in youth and the larger society.

合気道は、柔術、剣術等、日本古来の伝統武道を元に創始された現代武道です。「和の武道」「動く禅」とも呼ばれ、稽古を通じ、身体的な強さのみならず、人格的な完成を目的とします。当会は、合気道を通じて、青少年の健全な育成と健康な社会の創造に寄与して行きたいと思っています。

Sato-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do International
佐藤派糸東流空手道国際連合

In June 1970, Yoshiteru Sato (Mei) immigrated to Canada and established the Itoh-ryu Karate Dojo in the city of Vancouver. Next year, in 2025, we will celebrate our 55th anniversary! Over these years, we have travelled to 39 countries, promoting karate instruction and expanding our branches overseas. During the Tokyo Olympics, Sato was honoured by the All Japan Karate Federation for spreading karate worldwide from the Nippon Budokan. Karate is renowned for its disciplined training methods and emphasizes technique, form, and controlled movement. It also includes physical conditioning, kata (forms), sparring (kumite), and self-defense techniques.d training methods and emphasizes technique, form, and controlled movement. Karate is practiced for self-improvement, physical fitness, mental discipline, and character development, as well as for combat applications.

1970 6月に佐藤義輝（明）がカナダに移住し、バンクーバー市に糸東流空手道場を設立後、来年2025に55年を迎えます！この間に39カ国を廻って空手道指導に励み海外支部を広め、東京オリンピック開催時に、日本武道館にて世界に空手道を広めた日本人として全日本空手道連盟より表表彰される。世界各国で空手を学ぶ人は皆んな平等です。

Renbu Dojo Kendo
錬武道場 剣道

Embrace the Samurai spirit and discover the core values of kendo—selflessness, courtesy, and discipline. Join Canada’s premier dojo for high-performance kendoka, and cultivate inner strength by training both body and mind.

大きな気合を出し、体を思いっきり動かして剣道を楽しもう!　剣道とは、竹刀で相手と一対一で向き合い、心身を鍛え、人間形成を目指す武道です。また稽古を続けることで、日本の侍精神、礼儀、努力、そして親への感謝の気持ちも学べます。私たちと一緒に汗を流しながら、「相手に優しくも自分に厳しい」心を磨きませんか?

Seishinkan Iaido
正心館居合道

What is Iaido: The Art of Drawing the Sword Iaido, also known as “the Way (道, do) of Harmonious (合, ai) presence (居, i)” is a Japanese martial art centered around the swift and precise drawing of the sword from its scabbard. A distinguishing aspect of Iaido, as compared to other sword based martial arts and Iai-jutsu, is that it emphasizes calmness, mindfulness, and the seamless transition between stillness and movement. The focus is not on competition or flashy moves, but on simplicity, precision, and overcoming oneself. Each practitioner’s journey is unique, and in the end, measured internally.

What we practice at Nikkei Center: At Seishinkan, we teach beginners Seitei Iai (Standard Iai). Developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation, Seitei Iai consists of standardized forms (katas) drawn from various traditional sword schools. While other lineages and schools exist for Iaido and Iai-jutsu, Seitei Iai serves as a shared language for practitioners. Continuously refined based on insights from top-level sensei, these katas provide a foundation for Iai practitioners worldwide—a common ground for training and grading. Seitei Iai acts as both an entry point and a bridge, connecting modern practitioners to the rich heritage of classical swordsmanship. By embracing an open mind and fostering communication, it is our intention that practitioners will embark on a unique journey that balances technique, mindfulness, and the spirit of the sword.

居合道は「居合わせる場に（居）調和する（合）の道（道）」としても知られ、迅速かつ正確な剣の抜きを中心とした日本の武道です。他の剣ベースの武道や居合術と比較した場合の居合道の特徴は、心の静寂、マインドフルネス、そして静と動の間のシームレスな移行を重視していることです。  焦点は競争や派手な動きではなく、シンプルさ、正確さ、そして自分自身を克服することにあります。  各実践者の旅は人それぞれであり、最終的には内部的に評価されます。 日系文化センターでの練習内容：正心館では、初心者向けに制定居合を指導しています。  全日本剣道連盟によって開発された制定居合は、さまざまな伝統的な剣の流派から引き出された標準化された型で構成されています。居合道や居合術には他の流派や道場が存在しますが、制定居合は実践者にとっての共通言語として機能しており、トップレベルの先生からの洞察に基づいて継続的に洗練されたこれらの型は、世界中の居合実践者に基礎、つまり鍛錬と採点のための共通の基盤を提供しています。制定居合は、現代の実践者を伝承された古流剣術へと繋ぐ入口と架け橋の両方の役割を果たしており、オープンな心を受け入れ、対話を促すことで、実践者が技術、マインドフルネス、そして剣の精神のバランスをとるユニークな旅に乗り出すことが私たちの意図です。