Your browser version is outdated. We recommend that you update your browser to the latest version.

Onibana Taiko

          鬼花太鼓　

 

 

 

We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the unceded and traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Kwantlen, Katzie, SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) peoples or Nations. This acknowledgement is a reminder of the discriminatory, racist, and colonial practices that have had a lasting legacy, and continue to create barriers for Indigenous peoples and communities today. As LGBTQ+ settlers of Japanese ancestry, we would like to acknowledge our participation in these practices and reckon with the historical colonial actions of our families.  We recognize our present-day privilege as settlers in unceded Coast Salish territories and will strive to live in right relationship with the Coast Salish peoples. 

Next Event

We (Onibana Taiko) wanted to let you know that we will be presenting our live soundtrack to archival images at the Heart of the City Festival as part of  Rhythms of Thunder: An Evening of Taiko, Russian Hall (600 Campbell Avenue, Vancouver) 7pm - 9pm, November 8th, 2025.  
Performing that evening with approximate start times: 
Uzume Taiko (7pm) 
Go Taiko (7:30pm) 
Onibana Taiko (8pm) with guests Kenji Tokawa & Cynthia Dawn

 

Tickets and more info 

 

Sound of Dreams Description
Inspired by the images from the Iconic Dram of Riches Collection, comprised of photos from JC community members and compiled by the late Tamio Wakayama, Onibana Taiko presents an immersive contemplation of our community ancestor's lives through a live original soundtrack performance utilizing taiko, shamisen, percussion and shigin (Japanese poetry chanting) to a series of selected archival images projected on a screen.  
 This piece debuted at the 2024 with the support of Emiko Morita of the Powell Street Festival Society during the festival.  Special thanks to our supporting partner, the Archives of the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre and to Mayumi Takasaki for her kind assistance. 
 

 

Powell Street Festival, August 2, 2025 at 2:30pm Street Stage

Cynthia Dawn will be our special guest musician for our Rock Shamisen set.

Be sure to check us out.

We will also  feature "Reverberation"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ReverberationReverberation

 

*******************************************************

Get your lottery tickets from us!!!

Scan the QR code in the poster.   Seller Code is: onibana

SELLER CODE: ONIBANASELLER CODE: ONIBANA

 ******************************************************************************************************

 

september 21, 2024 | Micro Festival Celebration, 6pm – 9pm | Free, Open to All

 

 

 Equinox Event:  more info at

https://www.secheltartsfestival.com/live-events-2024

**********************************************************************************

 From Sounds of Dreams - Scan the QR code for more information on the work and archives.

 

Excerpt from Sounds of Dreams - 

POWELL STREET FESTIVAL 2024 :  AUGUST 3RD 5:45  AT FIREHALL THEATRE

Saturday, August 3rd, 5:45pm at the Firehall, Powell Street Festival. Inspired by images from the iconic A Dream of Riches Collection, comprised of photos from JC community members and compiled by the late Tamio Wakayama, we present an immersive contemplation of our community ancestor's lives through a live soundtrack performance. Supporting Partner: the Archives at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre. Special thanks to @cindy_mochizuki, @mgtakasaki, @mevancouver, @moberlyartscentre #onibanataiko#soundsofdreams

 

NEW WEST PRIDE - Saturday, August 13 at 6:10

Powell Street Festival - with special guests on Saturday, July 30th at 5:15 (Street Stage)

Buy your Powell Street Festival from us here and the seller code is: onibana:

http://www.powellstreetfestival.com/lottery

 

Powell Street Festival - Paueru Mashup on Saturday, July 30th at 1:5pm (Diamond Stage) LIVE

 

Roots, Rhythm, and Resistance:  Anti-Racism Symposium (in person and live stream)

May 23 8pm  at the Vancouver Japanese Language School

 

April 3 Rio Theatre (Vancouver) with Gamelan Gita Asmara

 

 

Onibana Taiko & Komezinganzo Troupe (Montreal, PQ) - "Big Drums with  Hearts  - Creating a Virtual Village of beats and melodies with Japanese taiko and Rwandan drums."  An ongoing collaboration supported by  Canada Council for the Arts.

Queer Arts Festival on August 7, 2021

https://queerartsfestival.com/onibana-taiko-and-alvin-erasga-tolentino/

Powell Street Festival on July 31, 2021

Bent On Art

on March 27th, 2021

We are so proud and stoked to be a part of Bent On Art this year.  See the poster for the lists of great programming.  We will be presenting Covid Sucks and WE LOVE YOU on March 27th. ASL Interpreting provided for Onibana Taiko piece.

 Link to Bent On Art - Music & Performance Showcase Trailer (https://fb.watch/4tfoUd9WnX/)

 Join Onibana Taiko on Saturday, March 27th at 6 pm. (please get a free ticket at https://www.facebook.

com/events/439193583963965)