Noriko Takahashi
My name is Noriko Takahashi.
I came here in Winnipeg in 2000 and stayed for a year. I went back to Japan at the end of the year, and then returned to Winnipeg in 2004.
I first started volunteering at the cultural centre in the year 2000 helping Yayoi Brandt’s Japanese Language classes as an assistant two to three nights a week. Now I have been teaching Japanese Language adult class since 2021.
From 2007 to 2024, I was a member of the Aurora dance group and performed at a variety of events including Folklorama and Bon Odori. I have been taking a break from dance here and there, but I still help their events if needed.
Last year, I started assisting Sumi Kimanivong with her children’s Japanese dance class. For the first time, in August 2024, thesechildren performed on the big stage at Folklorama, and we were pretty proud of them.
As both a participant and a provider/facilitator of the programs JCAM offers, I believe I have some experiences and knowledge I can contribute to the community and help the events and operations move smoothly.