General / Family
Taiko – Drumming (Isshin Daiko and Jyakurai)
Isshin Daiko was formed in 1996 by Reverend Grant and Kiyoshi Nagata to reach out to the community through music. Isshin translates as “one heart”, reflecting the unity of the group. In addition to the drums, the group employs the cymbal (chappa) and a small hand held gong (kane). Both traditional music and original pieces are played. Isshin holds workshops every fall.
Isshin Daiko, is for ages 23 years plus, performs for the Toronto community.
Jyakurai, the younger group for ages ten plus, perform within the church and occasionally in the community.
Details:
- Age: 10 years and older.
- Gender: Male and Female
- When: Isshin Daiko usually meets weekly on Wednesday evenings. Jyakurai usually meet on Friday evenings.
More Information: If interested in learning more about Isshin Daiko or inquiring about upcoming Taiko workshops etc., please visit the Ishhin Daiko website. For more information on Jyakurai please contact the Temple Office.
Odori-Buyo
Buyo is a term derived from a combination of the words “odori” and “mai”. The term odori is more closely associated with folk dancing whereas mai is typically a m ore restrained ceremonial type of dance. For 17 years Sensui Kozakura has taught the group. They are promoting Japanese culture. The group has performed at many cultural events throughout Southern Ontario.
The Buyo group consists of dancers of the classical form of Japanese odori. They are busy during the year performing, representing the TBC at different events (church, multicultural, and community). They are good ambassadors of the church and at present have 26 active members who study many different styles of dance ranging from classical to folk to modern. “Kitsuke” (the proper wearing of a kimono) is another important aspect of lessons.
Details:
- Age: 6 years to 60+ years of age.
- Gender: Female
- Where: Toronto Buddhist Church Social Hall (basement).
- When:
- Seniors: Thursday afternoons
- Children and Beginners 6 years and up: 7:15 PM
- Teens and Advanced: 8:00 PM
More information: Contact the Temple office.
Odori-Minyo
The Minyo group has been performing for over half a century. Participants learn folk dances of Japan and practice from mid April until performing at Obon Celebrations in July. For the last six years, the Obon Odori Festival has been held at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in conjunction with their Natsu Matsuri (summer festival). Other venues were at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square and Albert Campbell Square.
Details:
- Age: 3 years to 80+ years of age.
- Gender: Male and Female
- When: Minyo practices begin in April (after Hanamatsuri) and are held from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays until Obon (usually the second Saturday in July).
More Information: Contact the Temple office.
Flower Arrangements (Ikenobo; Ohara)
In 1964, the late Mrs Sachiko Kawaguchi, who was affiliated with the Hamilton chapter of the Ikebono Ikebana, started classes in Toronto. Since 1980’s classes have been taught by Irene Foulkes.
The groups are involved in learning the Japanese art of flower arrangement in various forms and containers. They also provide arrangements for the altar and in other locations within the church. On special occasions such as at dinners, the group will decorate the hall and tables.
Details:
- Age: 10 years of age and over.
- Gender: Male and Female
- When: The group meets weekly on Thursday afternoon from 2:00 PM. Sessions begin in September, after Labour Day, to the end of November. After winter break, classes begin in March, continuing to Obon in July.
More information: Contact the Temple office.
Karaoke
Approximately 20 years ago, Mr. Roger Tanaka gathered a group of members of the church who enjoyed singing with background music. Now members and non-members of the church are welcomed to sing in the social hall. The New Horizon Toronto Buddhist Church Senior’s Karaoke club started on November 21st 1983. The membership now has 100 people.
Members enjoy singing with an orchestral background and socializing in a group.
Details:
- Age: Mainly seniors over 60 years of age.
- Gender: Male and Female
- When: Members gather on Mondays from 12:00PM to 3:30 PM in the social hall. Every June there is a Karaoke recital Party. Members also celebrate a Year End Karaoke party.
More information: Contact the Temple office.
Fujinotomo
This club was formed in 1973, led by Mrs. Mary Ishiura, the active wife of the minister of the day. Members of the club, assisted by Dana, participate in craft celebration to be sold at the annual bazaar. In winter and spring they make sakura flowers placed on tree branches to help celebrate Hanamatsuri at the time of Buddha’s birth. They are also treated to day trips through the year.
Details:
- Age: Average age is 70 years.
- Gender: Male and Female
- When: The members meet approximately twice a month on Saturdays.
More information: Contact the Temple office.
TBC Choir
The choir started in 1988 with a group of 50+ ladies, made up from the members of the Eastern Canadian Temples. This group was preparing for a performance at the 1990 World Women’s Buddhist Federation Conference being hosted in Vancouver. Under the leadership of the choir director Mayumi Kumagai the group sang a song which she composed and wrote lyrics for in English, Japanese and Portuguese. Since 1990 the group has continued to meet under the leadership of Dale Matsushige.
Members are able to meet with others and in a harmonious fashion, utilize their musical talents towards songs, as they relate to Buddhism. The musical talents of such members are periodically showcased during Sunday services.
Details:
- Age: From 20– 80+ years.
- Gender: The group is mainly composed of women, but men are most welcome.
- When: The present group meets regularly (2-3 times a month) to practice for performances at the monthly memorial services (the first Sunday of each month with a summer break in July and August). The choir also participates at various social and special events held at the Church. We welcome everyone to join. No experience necessary!
More information: Contact the Temple office.