YOSOCA: Our History
2017: The Beginning of YOSOCA
YOSOCA was founded in 2017 by Tomoyuki Honda, inspired by his visit to the Calgary Stampede Parade the year before. Noticing that the Japanese community had no presence in the parade, Honda decided to bring the dynamic spirit of Yosakoi to Calgary.
At first, the team had no naruko clappers or costumes. Everything had to be created from scratch. Members crafted naruko by cutting wood themselves, and they designed and sewed their own costumes. They even built a cart for the Stampede Parade with the help of a local carpenter in Calgary, working on the design and construction by hand.
Growing Recognition and Local Performances
From that year onward, YOSOCA gradually gained recognition. They began performing not only at the Calgary Stampede Parade each year but also at various stages within the Stampede, at festivals in Edmonton, and at parades in Banff and Okotoks. Over time, YOSOCA’s performances extended beyond Calgary, showcasing their art throughout the region.
Overcoming Challenges and Hosting an International Festival
Though the pandemic in 2020 brought a temporary halt to in-person activities, YOSOCA did not stop moving forward. As the team gradually resumed its activities, a new chapter began to unfold. More families started joining the team, and children dancers were welcomed as new members, adding a multi-generational dynamic to YOSOCA.
With parents and children dancing together, the scope of activities expanded beyond performances alone. Rehearsals became a place for cultural education, community bonding, and passing Japanese festival traditions on to the next generation. Through this growth, YOSOCA evolved from a dance team into a true cultural community.
Today, YOSOCA has grown to more than 50 active members, reflecting its continued development and strong community support.
2025: Hosting a Historic International Yosakoi Festival
In 2025, YOSOCA reached a major milestone by organizing and hosting the first-ever International Yosakoi Festival in North America, held in Lethbridge, Alberta.
This landmark event brought together Yosakoi teams from different regions and marked a significant step forward in sharing Yosakoi culture beyond Japan and Canada. Hosting the festival was not only a celebration of dance, but also a demonstration of YOSOCA’s growth, leadership, and long-term commitment to cultural exchange.
The festival represented a new phase for YOSOCA—moving from participation to creating platforms where Yosakoi culture can continue to grow across North America.
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