It’s hard to ignore the sound from the Cheery Stage by Tsumugu Project during Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden. This powerful traditional Japanese tune echoed through the park drawing a modest crowd this past weekend, April 9 and10 2016.
The Tsumugu Project a collaboration between three talented Japanese performers from Japan. This project consists of Anna Sato on vocals, and Chie Hanawa onTsugaru Shamisen and Keita Kanazashi on taiko. The musicians play traditional Japanese music with a lively and modern delivery, engaging a diverse audience.
Clik here to view.
Keita Kanazashi on Taiko at Sakura Days Japan Fair 2016
Clik here to view.
Chie Hanawa with Tsugaru Shamisen at Sakura Days Japan Fair 2016
During my brief Interview with Chie Hanawa and Keita Kanazashi, Keita mentioned that he thought the audience was very direct, and Chie chuckled and said “There’s a lot of people who love Japan.” This phenomena is hard to explain, but there is definitely a love for and interest in Japanese culture in metro Vancouver, and events such as Sakura Days Japan Fair, is a perfect treat for local Japanophile or “shinnichi” in Japanese.
Clik here to view.
Vivian Chen of TomoeArts (in orange)
Although the Tsumugu Project was a treat at the Sakura Days Japan Fair, the fair also consisted of many other delightful showcases, such as Yukata dressing, Haiku workshops and Japanese Tea Ceremony. Another performance which stood out for me was Japanese Calligraphy and Drumming featuring Kisyuu and Roku Shichi Taiko, I didn’t get to interview Kisyuu but her calligraphy speaks for itself here is a raw clip of her performance.
Clik here to view.
VAN48 at Sakura Days Japan Fair 2016
I originally attended Sakura Days Japan Fair to support a local Vancouver group performing as Natsu-heros! and Van48, but I got a lot more out of the event than I’d expected. I discovered new music and and renewed my love for calligraphy. Compared to other Japanese-themed events in Vancouver such as Powell Street Festival, Sakura Days Japan Fair had a greater emphasis on education, namely on the traditional Japanese culture.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
