Taiko Workshop

Learn the basics of taiko drumming and a brief history of Katari Taiko, Canada’s first taiko ensemble, in this one-day workshop with Leslie Komori and Joyce Chong. (Includes dinner!)

Kikiai Collaborate invites young-ish members of the Japanese Canadian community (16+) to join us for this workshop. Led by taiko experts Leslie Komori and Joyce Chong, this hands-on, 2.5-hour workshop will introduce participants to the history of taiko in Canada, basic stances, notation and arrangement. A catered dinner with Chinese food and sushi to follow.

Previous knowledge or skills are not required, but please bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn and connect. Participants should expect an active session—bring clothing and footwear that will allow you to be comfortable for an extended time on your feet and moving around.

Event Details

• When: Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 12:30-6 pm
  • 12:30-1 pm: Setup and sign-in
  • 1-3:30 pm: Taiko introduction and workshop (with breaks)
  • 3:30-4 pm: Workshop cleanup/setup for dinner
  • 4-6 pm: Catered dinner and social with invited guests (additional original Katari Taiko members) and cleanup
• Where: Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall (487 Alexander St, Vancouver)
• Who: For those aged 16+ of Japanese descent of all generations, experiences, backgrounds and connections to the Japanese Canadian community (max. 16 people)
• Cost: $40 (+ fees)
• Bring: Participants should expect an active session—bring clothing and footwear that will allow you to be comfortable for an extended time on your feet and moving around. We also suggest bringing earplugs or hearing protection if you have them.

For questions, please email kikiaicollaborative [at] gmail [dot] com.

Accessibility, Parking & Transportation

• Workshop and dinner will take place on the ground floor of VJLS; there are no stairs required to access the building
• Participation in the workshop requires standing in a slightly squatted position; if this is a barrier, please email kikiaicollaborative [at] gmail [dot] com and we can ask instructors about accommodations
• Washrooms on the ground floor are gendered (men’s, women’s) and single stall; additional washrooms are available in the basement and accessible via elevator or stairs
• Free street parking may be limited; metered parking is abundant
• Nearest bus routes include the 4, 7 and 209 (Powell and Jackson ) or the 14, 16 and 20 (E. Hastings and Jackson/Dunlevy) or the 3 (Main and E. Hastings)
• If you require additional support (i.e. sign language interpretation etc.) or have other questions about accessibility, please email kikiaicollaborative [at] gmail [dot] com

About the Instructors

Our taiko workshop leaders are Leslie Komori and Joyce Chong. Some of the earliest members of Canada’s first taiko group, Katari Taiko, they have been active in cultivating a strong community of taiko players.

Joyce Chong

Joyce Chong is a third-generation Chinese Canadian, retired art therapist and family care worker. Born and raised in Vancouver, she has lived on the Sunshine Coast for almost 30 years. 

In 2006, she started Tonbo Taiko as a children’s group, along with Japanese Canadian parents and grandparents. Since then, Tonbo, based in Roberts Creek, has become a community group for adults.

While attending UBC (‘68-‘73), she was part of the Asian Canadian Coalition, a group dedicated to exploring Japanese Canadian and Chinese Canadian history and identity, and developing community connections. In 1972, the group created a photo exhibit and helped to organize and attend a 3-day Asian Canadian conference held in Toronto. 

The connections made with the Japanese Canadian community continued with participation in events at Tonari Gumi and volunteering at the Powell Street Festival. Joyce was a founding member of Katari Taiko (‘79-96 ), Sawagi Taiko (‘89-96) and Kokuho Rose Prohibited (‘78 Asian Canadian folk blues group).

Leslie Komori

Leslie Komori’s showoffy name-dropping bio featuring memorable taiko adventures:

1. Jamming with Victor Delorenzo of the Violent Femmes in Ontario with Uzume Taiko

2. Having Angela Davis notice Leslie as she asked, “How is that woman?” (Leslie pulled a muscle in her calf at the beginning of a gig and limped through the whole show, which was in Indiana with Sawagi Taiko)

3. Being included on soundtrack of the film, “the corporation” as part of LOUD, a taiko electronic guitar trio. Having the trio’s music support Vandana Shiva’s inspiring words about ecofeminism was a great artistic and political honour!

This event is part of chibisoku (チビ足), a series of six micro-events hosted by Kikiai Collaborative in 2025 to foster intimate learning, connection and dialogue among “young-ish” Japanese Canadians. Learn more at kikiai.ca/chibisoku.