Nagata Shachu, Toronto’s premiere Japanese Taiko and Music Group, is happy to announce they will open their 29th anniversary performance season with Yoi Yoi Matsuri - a lively, welcoming evening of Japanese communal dancing and live music at Hugh’s Room on January 9 and 10, 2027.

Yoi Yoi Matsuri begins with a special performance of Japanese folk music by a shamisen ensemble led by Aki Takahashi, with Heidi Chan and members of Nagata Shachu (Kiyoshi Nagata, Andrew Siu, Eriko Murata, Sakura Ariga, Kevin He, Brian Liang) - setting the stage for an evening of dance, music and celebration.

Audiences are invited to arrive in their most colourful dance clothes, kimono, or yukata, and join members of the Yoi Yoi collective as they teach several traditional 'bon dances'. The dances will be accompanied by the exhilarating live music of Nagata Shachu, creating an unforgettable atmosphere where everyone can join in.