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Kenjutsu literally means “the art of the sword”. To the Japanese, the sword is more than a weapon, it is a way of life and of course, a form of martial art with the use of the sword. Kenjutsu is also a tradition that is to be respected. Basic techniques include kihon or solo practicing without an opponent to kata or a two persons practicing together with full contact strikes. Sparring are done using solid wooden sword (bokuto) or bamboo sword and armor (shinaj and bogu.) Swords were made in Japan since the 4th Century, with technology imported from China through Korea. With the modernization of Japan and the dissolution of the Samurai class in the 19th Century, Kenjutsu began to decline. Although there were periods of revival later, Kenjutsu mostly evolved into Kendo in modern times. Video is shot at the Powell Street Festival 2010 which is an annual celebration of Japanese arts and culture in Vancouver.

VIDEO – Kenjutsu, The Art of The Sword

Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street, Vancouver BC

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Those who carry the portable Shinto shrine chant washoi washoi or soya soya to set the rhythm and help keep the Omikoshi well-balanced as they make their way across the community. The harder the jolt, the more merrier the God feels and in return he bestows fortune and fertility upon the neighborhood. The Omikoshi ceremony is a very elaborate affair. First, the Japanese spare no expense in building the portable Shinto shrine. Then the night before the ceremony, the miniature Shinto shrine is put on display for all to admire and then a ritual is performed the next day which concluds with the parade. In many ways, there is nothing more Japanese than Omiksohi.



Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street, Vancouver BC

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Young girl dressed in Kimono poses in front of the Omikoshi portable Shinto shrine

It is considered a good luck charm to be bitten by this supernatural creature (mask) at Omiksohi

Two Omikoshi musicians just before the ceremony is to start

Omikoshi carriers gather around the portable Shinto shrine to get ready for a run across the neighborhood at Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver

Teasing of the masked supernatural being as part of the ritual at Omikoshi parade or ceremony

An offering (eggplant, dried squid, beans, salted fish and vegetables) to the local God at Omiksohi ceremony

Female flutist at Omikoshi ceremony

The Japanese wording indicates that the omikoshi is a cultural exchange gift to the French

Omikoshi in progress with two ladies standing on top

A team effort to decorate the Omikoshi

Water splashed onto the parade as the Omikoshi portable Shinto shrine being carried forward

Young girl atop Omikoshi portable Shinto shrine drenched in water being splashed at the parade

Expressive faces of carriers during the Omikoshi parade

Woman leading the carriers atop the Omikoshi yelling and cheering the carriers on

Omikoshi musician playing alongside the parade

Omikoshi in progress with Japanese in traditional wear carrying the portable Shinto shrine and running across the neighborhood for good luck and prosperity


Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street, Vancouver BC

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