Matsuri Music Festival

The Matsuri Music Festival is Kimberley's first Japanese music festival, taking place over three days, from July 13-16, at Cominco Gardens. Organized by Kimberley residents Shinobu Murata V and Randy Marchi, the festival aims to create a unique cultural exchange between communities in Canada and Japan.

The festival features performances by acclaimed Japanese musicians who traveled from Japan. Keita Kanazashi is an internationally renowned taiko performer and a founding member of the ensemble HA-YA-TO. Shiori Sato plays the shamisen, a distinctive three-stringed instrument, while Tomoko Takeda performs on the shinobue, a traditional bamboo flute. These musicians also collaborate with local artists and community groups.

Beyond musical performances, the Matsuri Music Festival offers a diverse range of cultural activities, including music workshops, kitsune mask painting, and a film screening. The participating performers are part of the "Tsumugu Project," a name derived from a Japanese word meaning "to weave," reflecting their vision of fostering lasting connections and cultural understanding through music and art.