Sawagi Taiko

Sawagi Taiko, founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, was the first all-female kumidaiko (taiko) group in Canada. It was founded by a group of women from Katari Taiko, the first Canadian kumidaiko group, and all of its members are exclusively Asian. As an offshoot of Katari Taiko, Sawagi considers San Jose Taiko an inspiration. Sawagi plays to empower Asian women from Asia, more specifically seeking to reject the "stereotypes of Asians as quiet and hardworking but basically mechanical and uncreative." Over the years, Sawagi has performed in support of AIDS organizations, First Nations groups, and Asian Canadian, women’s and LGBTQ communities. Sawagi finds inspiration in the Chicago blues, occasionally including electric bass and vocal improvisation in their songs, as well as Japanese folk songs, and rap. Sawagi writes and arranges most of their compositions/dance's, some of which involve skits and vocals.
Charter Members.
Founding Members:
Current Charter Members: