This season, we’re welcoming six incredible performers to our Summer Market, each showcasing a unique aspect of traditional Japanese culture.
Experience the artistry of Kisyuu, a renowned Japanese calligrapher; the energy of the Cloudtown Idols; the discipline of Shorinji Kempo; the excitement of Hitotose Tate’s samurai performance; the rhythm of Vancouver Okinawa Taiko; and the vibrant traditional dance of Appare Yosakoi.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at this year’s Summer Market! Read on to learn more about each performer’s story.
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Kisyuu Calligraphy
Kisyuu (姫洲) is a Japanese calligrapher with over 30 years of experience in both traditional and modern styles of Japanese calligraphy. Using brush and sumi ink, she brings characters to life—expressing her true self through each stroke.
At the event, Kisyuu will be using a three-foot-long brush to create large-scale calligraphy on white paper – each stroke a gesture of intention, energy, and meaning.
As part of the performance, I will be using a big brush to write on the floor. I will prepare a sheet to protect the floor. There will also be a bucket filled with black ink, so I’d appreciate it if you could keep people away from the bucket if anyone try to pass by.
Cloudtown Idols
Welcome to CloudTown! ☁️✨ They are a Vancouver-based Idol group who make original choreography and odottemita dance covers to the best JPOP and Vocaloid songs! Come to our performance to find out what the idol charm craze is all about!
Shorinji Kempo
Shorinji Kempo cultivates strong bodies, courage, and character to help individuals lead fulfilling lives. It teaches that martial arts are not for defeating enemies, but for creating peace and harmony.
Its techniques include strikes, kicks, blocks, breakfalls, joint locks, pins, and pressure points, allowing people of all ages and strengths to practice effectively.
Blending elements of both “soft” arts like Aikido and “hard” arts like Karate, Shorinji Kempo has been active in Vancouver since 1982, offering classes for children and adults at three locations.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
Hitotose Tate
Hitotose is a Samurai performance group blending international expertise in performance and workshops, founded by Haruno & Yuki.
They have performed across Vancouver, Victoria, Salt Spring Island, and Los Angeles. As performers and choreographers, Hitotose promotes creative expression through swordplay, acting, and dance, offering vibrant cultural experiences to share Samurai entertainment.
They are also actors, and their recent credits include Shōgun / 将軍, Pachinko Season 2, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and more.
Festival Favourites Return
Okinawa Taiko
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko, founded in 2004, is dedicated to promoting and preserving the Okinawan style of drum-dancing, Eisa. Our mission is to deliver the Okinawan spirit through the beats of our drums and the harmonies of our dance.
Appare Yosakoi
APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver is 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. Watch people from all over the world unite together through Yosakoi regardless of their background! APPARE!
