Taiko
Description
Japanese Canadian Taiko drum performances have been an important avenue for Japanese Canadian women to subvert gender stereotypes.
show moreJapanese Canadian Taiko drum performances have been an important avenue for Japanese Canadian women to subvert gender stereotypes. In this segment, Professor of Social Work and Head of JCAAP Izumi Sakamoto speaks with Sansei or third generation Japanese Canadian Glen Nagano on the significance of Taiko to Japanese Canadian women.
Speakers: Glen Nagano, Izumi Sakamoto
show lessDescription
In this segment, activist and taiko drummer Kathy Shimizu speaks on how taiko drummers have engaged in solidarity efforts with residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
show moreUsing the volume of their drums, Kathy advocates that taiko performers can amplify voices that often struggle to be heard.
Speakers: Kathy Shimizu
show lessDescription
Katari Taiko was formed in 1979 and was the first modern Taiko group in Canada. Its creation was catalyzed by Taiko performances by Japanese group Ondekoza and American group San Jose Taiko in the late 70s at Powell Street Festival.
show moreIn this segment one member, Lisa Mah, describes her experiences joining the group in the late 80s and how it changed her life.
Speakers: Lisa Mah
show lessSpeakers: Kathy Shimizu, Leslie Komori, Izumi Sakamoto
show lessDescription
While for some taiko was a way to show pride in their Japanese Canadian identity, for others it was a way of discovering it.
show moreIn this segment, taiko leader John Endo Greenaway speaks about how taiko allowed him to connect to his Japanese Canadian heritage.
Speakers: John Endo Greenaway
show lessDescription
Taiko drumming is art form that has allowed many to explore, express, and connect with their Japanese Canadian identity.
show moreIn this clip, Kathy Shimizu discusses how her involvement with taiko fostered a sense of pride in her Japanese Canadian identity after many years of feeling embarrassed about her heritage.
Speakers: Kathy Shimizu
show lessDescription
Taiko groups in Canada provide a unique space for many to explore their Japanese Canadian identity.
show moreHere, Shinobu Homma describes how taiko allowed him to realize his own Japanese Canadian identity, after experiencing a sense of un-belonging in both Japan and Canada.
Speakers: Shinobu Homma
show less