2025 VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair – Saturday, August 23rd

The fair will be opened with a land acknowledgement by Brianna Bear (Songhees/Lekwungen Nation), and short remarks from Barb Desjardins (Mayor of Esquimalt) and Debbie Ibaraki (acting President of the VNCS).

Uminari (Roaring Sea) Taiko
Hear, see and feel the thunder of Japanese Taiko! Come see Uminari Taiko, Vancouver Island’s premier taiko ensemble, deliver a high energy performance that will move and shake you to the core.

http://www.uminaritaiko.com/

Michael Abe
Victoria was home to the first Japanese Canadian community. Learn about their presence in the Victoria presence from the early 1900’s until their forced removal in 1942. Learn about Manzo Nagano, the first immigrant, the former Shimizu Rice Mill at the corner of Store and Fisgard and why there are so many varieties of Japanese plum and cherry trees throughout the downtown area.

MagiaNote is a passionate international idol group dedicated to bringing the magic of music to life! Through captivating performances, heartfelt melodies, and enchanting energy, the members strive to inspire, connect, and share their musical magic with the world.

Victoria Kendo Club
Kendo is a Japanese martial art based on the use of the samurai sword. In kendo, protective armor (bogu) modeled on samurai armor is used, and bamboo sticks (shinai) represent swords. The primary purposes of kendo are to develop awareness, centeredness, wholeheartedness, endurance, concentration, respect for others, and self-confidence. Kendo can be approached in different ways as a competitive sport, for physical health, for spiritual and mental development, or as an introduction to Japanese culture and philosophy.

Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.

Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony on the grass to the right of the Pavilion (just below the Japanese Garden).

Satomi Edwards
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument dating back to the 7th century. Professional koto player Satomi Edwards will perform traditional and contemporary pieces from Japan. These authentic sounds will take attendees at the Japanese Cultural Fair back to ancient times in Japan.

Amanda Gaunt
Come to admire and learn more about the beauty of Japanese flower arranging. A gallery of ikebana arrangements made by the VNCS Ikebana classes will be on display all day at the Japanese Cultural Fair. At 11:30 Amanda Gaunt and at 2:30 Susan Kurushima will create arrangements that demonstrate the principles of the basic forms as well as some freestyle arrangements.

Michael Abe
Why is there a Japanese Garden in Gorge Park, and for that matter, a pavilion? Join Michael Abe for a short tour through the gardens and learn about the history of the Japanese Garden and Tea House that was a popular destination from 1907-1942.

Furusato Dancers
See traditional Japanese folk dances called Odori or Bon Odori, performed by the Furusato Dancers wearing Japanese yukatas, casual summer kimonos. There will also be an opportunity for you to learn a popular bon odori dance.

Paul Allison

In this practical workshop, you’ll learn how to grow and use myoga and shiso, two versatile Japanese herbs. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, we’ll guide you through planting, care, and harvesting. Rooted in Japanese tradition, this workshop focuses on making myoga and shiso a functional and enjoyable addition to your garden and culinary repertoire.

Paul is a garden designer and associate professor with 50+ years’ experience. Inspired by a decade in Japan, his work blends Western horticulture with wa—harmony between people and nature—and ma—the meaningful pause in space and time. Based in Canada, he offers tours and talks that spark reflection and reconnect us with what truly matters: nature.

Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.

Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony in the Wisteria Tree arbor in the Takata Garden.

Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos
Alcvin was born in Japan, attended school in the States, and now lives in the rainforests of BC, Canada where he teaches, performs, and makes shakuhachi flutes from his workshop on the Sunshine Coast since 2003.

Alcvin is currently studying shakuhachi construction under the Miura Ryuho in Akita Prefecture and hitoyogiri music, with Takeo Izumi in Kyoto.

For the last 20 years, Alcvin has been taking shakuhachi students to Japan for the Shakuhachi Roots Pilgrimage where they harvest bamboo for making shakuhachi and to visit sacred places and teachers around the country in order to deepen the understanding of the shakuhachi.

Alcvin is also the founder of Sun Root, shakuhachi-inspired jewelry.

Genbukan Kongo Dojo
Ninpo, the art of the Ninja, renowned shadow warriors of Japan, emphasizes self-protection and the holistic aspects of martial arts—physical, mental, and spiritual. Jujutsu embodies the zenith of samurai combat techniques. At Genbukan Kongo Dojo, we specialize in these traditional Japanese arts, encompassing both unarmed combat and weapons systems. Our teachings impart practical self-defense skills alongside discipline, fitness, and character development. Established by Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura, the Genbukan organization takes pride in providing authentic Japanese schools worldwide.

https://kongodojo.ca/

Roshan Afia (Tsukino Con)
Anime has taken a wild ride, transforming from paper to screens and becoming the beloved art form we know and love today. Join us on this rapid-fire journey through the crazy history of anime, where we’ll explore its evolution, globalization, and what it took shaped anime into its wildly loved form. Encounter unexpected characters from around the world as we plunge into tradition and modernization. So strap in and hold onto your hats, because the adventure only gets wilder as the wind continues to rise.

Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.

Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony on the grass to the right of the Pavilion (just below the Japanese Garden).

Brian Angene
Brian is a yondan (4th-dan) who was trained in Kobe. He is a founding member of the Kyudo Association of Canada and the founder of the Victoria Kyudo Association. Brian will give a brief explanation of the origins of modern kyudo, the basic movements (kihontai), and stages of shooting (hassetsu). There will also be a display of kyudo equipment and opportunity for questions.

Michael Abe
Why is there a Japanese Garden in Gorge Park, and for that matter, a pavilion? Join Michael Abe for a short tour through the gardens and learn about the history of the Japanese Garden and Tea House that was a popular destination from 1907-1942.

Chris Tooley – Shoshinkai Victoria Iaido
Iaido is the traditional Japanese martial art of drawing and cutting with the samurai sword. The purpose of Iaido is to develop awareness, centeredness, sincerity, a calm mind, and mental and physical harmony through the practice of traditional sword techniques. See Iaido practitioners in traditional outfits demonstrate form and techniques (waza) of this unique martial art.

Rina El-Nahas
Rina and Tohoku Minyo Band is a traditional Japanese music band that plays Tohoku Minyo music from the Northern area of Japan. Rina El-Nahas has been performing and playing this style of music since the age of five and has won numerous awards from traditional competitions in Japan. Rina will be accompanied by Danny and Don on the shamisen and Eric and Naomi with taiko as well as backup vocals.

Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.

Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony on the grass to the right of the Pavilion (just below the Japanese Garden).

Pending

Susan Kurushima
Come to admire and learn more about the beauty of Japanese flower arranging. A gallery of ikebana arrangements made by the VNCS Ikebana classes will be on display all day at the Japanese Cultural Fair. At 11:30 Amanda Gaunt and at 2:30 Susan Kurushima will create arrangements that demonstrate the principles of the basic forms as well as some freestyle arrangements.

Victoria Japanese Heritage Language School Society (VJHLSS) Soran Dancers
The Soran Dancers of the VJHLSS will perform an energetic dance to music based on the Japanese traditional (minyo) song Soran Bushi.

Masanobu Kikukawa
Kiku is originally from Okinawa and has been practicing karate for 61 years. Karate originated in Okinawa, and he has been teaching Okinawan karate here in Victoria for 30 years. He would be delighted if you would take this as a stepping stone for cultural exchange by joining his presentation at the Fair. See you 23rd, Aug!

Uminari (Roaring Sea) Taiko
Hear, see and feel the thunder of Japanese Taiko! Come see Uminari Taiko, Vancouver Island’s premier taiko ensemble, deliver a high energy performance that will move and shake you to the core.

http://www.uminaritaiko.com/