We are the Ottawa Branch of the “Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador KIZUNA International Team,” officially recognized by Kochi Prefecture as a Yosakoi Ambassador, and are based in Ottawa, Canada.
Our goal is to share the wonder of Yosakoi Naruko Odori with as many people as possible. In addition to regular practices, we participate in local community events, festivals, and cultural activities throughout Ottawa.
Through our passionate performances, we strive to bring smiles, energy, and joy to everyone who watches us. Each member comes together as one team to create every performance.
We also value sharing the beauty of Japanese culture through Yosakoi while creating opportunities for people to connect and experience cultural exchange in Ottawa’s multicultural community.
We will continue working together to bring more smiles, excitement, and meaningful connections to the city of Ottawa through Yosakoi.
TAKAKO SEGAWA
Thank you very much for your interest in our team.
I have been involved with the Kochi Yosakoi Festival since I was a child and grew up with Yosakoi as an important part of my life. I remember a very special atmosphere where people of all ages, from children to seniors, came together to dance, have fun, and share smiles across generations.
Yosakoi has a wonderful power to energize both the people who dance and those who watch, naturally bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Growing up in Kochi, I experienced this power of Yosakoi many times firsthand.
Today, as a contemporary dancer, I perform and tour in Ottawa, Toronto, and various places around the world. Through dancing and connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds, I have come to appreciate once again the power of dance to connect people beyond differences in language and culture.
For me, Yosakoi is one of the important roots of my journey as a dancer.
I sincerely hope to share the wonderful Yosakoi culture that has been nurtured in Kochi with people here in Ottawa, and to share the smiles, energy, and excitement that Yosakoi can bring.
I also want to create a warm and welcoming place where everyone, regardless of nationality, age, or previous experience, can take that first step, meet new people, and become part of a community.
We value creating an environment where every member can genuinely feel, “I love dancing!” We support one another and put our hearts together to create each performance as a team.
I hope that through Yosakoi, we can continue to meet many wonderful people and create a growing circle of smiles throughout Ottawa.
Please come and watch one of our performances, and if you have the opportunity, come dance with us!
I sincerely look forward to meeting you and sharing the joy of Yosakoi together.
Takako Segawa
Representative, KIZUNA International Team – Ottawa Branch
Practice Day: Every Saturday, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
*Schedule may change depending on events and other circumstances.
Practice Location: Takahashi Dojo
5 Melrose Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 1T8
Participation Fee: First session is FREE
・Drop-in: $12 per practice (Under 15: $7)
・Monthly: $45
Contact: yosakoiottawa@gmail.com
We welcome members of all ages, nationalities, and experience levels, from children to adults.
No previous Yosakoi experience is necessary.
Come join us and enjoy Yosakoi together.