YOSOCA was founded in 2017 in Calgary by Tomoyuki Honda with the goal of bringing YOSAKOI to the Calgary Stampede Parade.

At the time, most members had never experienced YOSAKOI before. Without costumes or naruko, the team built everything from scratch—handmaking naruko clappers, ordering costumes from Japan, and even creating a parade float to participate in the Stampede Parade.

As Tomoyuki could not teach the dance himself, he partnered with Erika, who continues to lead the team as an instructor to this day. Together, they built the foundation of YOSOCA.

Since then, YOSOCA has grown into a vibrant community team, performing not only at the Calgary Stampede Parade, but also at events such as the Banff Parade, Japanese festivals in Calgary, and GlobalFest. The team has expanded its presence across Calgary and throughout Alberta.

Today, YOSOCA is home to over 50 members from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. The team continues to promote YOSAKOI through performances, workshops, and community events.

In 2025, YOSOCA took a major step forward by launching KOKUYOSA, the first international YOSAKOI festival in North America, bringing together dancers from Japan, the United States, and across Canada.

YOSOCA continues to grow as both a dance team and a cultural movement—sharing the spirit of YOSAKOI across Calgary, Alberta, and beyond.