TAIKO: MUSIC OF THE STRONG
Director Olena TUMANSKA
This film uncovers the little-known history of Japanese Canadians who were forcibly sent to internment camps during World War II. Over 22,000 people lost their homes, businesses, and rights, with many barred from returning until 1949. In 1988, Canada issued an official apology, but the scars remain. Through the art of Taiko drumming, Kiyoshi Nagata and his troupe “Nagata Shachu” preserve this legacy of resilience. Combining archival footage, eyewitness testimonies, and powerful performances, the film highlights the role of art in preserving memory and healing historical wounds.