Kimberley hosts Japanese musicians at Matsuri Music Festival

Keita Kanazashi, Shiori Sato and Tomoko Takeda travelled from Japan to perform

Kimberley hosts Japanese musicians at Matsuri Music Festival Published 3:35 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026 Kimberley rolled out a warm welcome to Japanese musicians at the Matsuri Music Festival. Musicians Keita Kanazashi, Shiori Sato and Tomoko Takeda took the stage at Kimberley’s very first Japanese music festival. The musicians travelled all the way from Japan to perform; and collaborated with local musicians, performers and community groups over three days, from July 13-16.

Organized by Kimberley residents Shinobu Murata V and Randy Marchi, the festival created a cultural exchange unlike any previously seen in the community. The festival had a diverse repertoire of entertainment that included music workshops, kitsune mask painting and a film screening. Kanazashi is an internationally acclaimed taiko performer and founding member of the renowned ensemble HA-YA-TO who’ve toured internationally in Spain, France, Bulgaria, Peru and Canada.

Sato played the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument with a distinctive high staccato sound, strummed using a pick called a bachi. Takeda performed using a shinobue, a bamboo flute often used at Japanese festivals, that produces a light and airy melody. The performers are part of the Tsumugu Project — a name derived from the Japanese word meaning “to weave.”

Organizers said the project reflects their vision of using music and art to weave lasting connections and cultural understanding between communities in Canada and Japan. The group has been planning a Canadian intercultural show for the past decade. Kanazashi was able to connect with Murata at a music event on Salt Spring Island, and plans for the Matsuri Music Festival began to take shape.

Kanazashi said their mission is to spread cultural influence and connect with people, in an effort to inspire world peace. The warm welcoming energy of the Canadian people left a positive impression on him.