The north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery was renamed šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square in 2018. This hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh term translates into a place to have cultural gatherings and ceremonies. Thus, it’s an appropriate location for the free Japan Market Summer Festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday (June 14) and Sunday (June 15).
Performances kick off at noon on Saturday with Vancouver Okinawa Taiko, which formed back in 2004. This multigenerational troupe maintains Okinawan folk traditions with drumming and dancing. And it combines this with contemporary Okinawan music.
That will be followed at 2 p.m. on Saturday by Hitotose Tate. Actors and katana performers Haruno Niiyama and Yuki Kedoin founded this samurai performance group. Niiyama’s credits include the Emmy-winning TV miniseries Shōgun 将軍. In two episodes, he played Natsu No Kata, a noble who is taken hostage. In the same series, Kedoin was cast as the young samurai Takemaru.
Closing out the Saturday performances at 4 p.m. will be the J-pop dance cover group CloudTown Idols.
Market fest includes Japanese food treats
On Sunday at noon, the Japanese traditional dance troupe APPARE Yosakoi Vancouver will take the stage. Their fun-filled motto can be encapsulated in three words: smile, shout, and enjoy. Then at 2 p.m., a lesser-known form of martial arts will be on display. Shorinji Kempo promotes healing for people of all ages. It teaches that the core of martial arts is not to fight but to bring peace.
The Japan Market Summer Festival’s closing performer, Kisyuu (姫洲) also seeks to create a sense of tranquility through traditional and modern styles of Japanese calligraphy.
“Using brush and sumi ink, she brings characters to life—expressing her true self through each stroke,” the Japan Market Summer Festival website states.
Meanwhile, the long list of food vendors includes Okinawa-style noodles from Tatchan Noodle, katsu sandwiches from Tokyo Katsu-sand, and sushi tacos from Taco Nori. There will also be 60 vendors and cultural and service providers in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square throughout the festival.
For more information on the Japan Market Summer Festival, visit the website. Follow Pancouver on X @PancouverMedia, Bluesky @pancouver.bsky.social, and Instagram @PancouverMedia.
