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Richmond to host traditional Japanese concert

A concert aimed at introducing Richmond residents to traditional Japanese music will be held at the Steveston Buddhist Temple next month.
concert
Kiki band from Japan will perform in Richmond next week. Photo submitted

A concert aimed at introducing Richmond residents to traditional Japanese music will be held at the Steveston Buddhist Temple next month.

The fourth annual concert will have a “Heart of Japan” theme this year, and will feature artists from Japan who will play traditional Japanese instruments.

They are Kiki, a two-woman band playing the Tsugaru Shamisen, a one-meter long instrument with three strings that is played using a large pick, and Keita Kanazashi, famous for performing with a traditional instrument called Taiko Drums.

“They are quite famous in Japan…They are here to introduce Japanese cultural music,” said Keiko Go, secretary for Steveston Buddhist Temple.

“At this time of the year, in Japan, we like to celebrate the opening of the cherry blossom season, so we have the concert this time each year.”

The event is organized by Tomono Oki, a Japanese resident and flight attendant for Air Canada, who has been dedicated to introducing traditional Japanese music to Canadians.

The artists will also be performing at the Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, according to Go.

The “Heart of Japan” concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 12 at 4360 Garry St. Tickets are $20 and discounts apply to children and temple members.

For more information, call 604-277-2323.