Katherine Cheng

Photographer + Videojournalist
    
Location: Toronto, Canada
Nationality: Canadian
Biography: Katherine is a documentary and conceptual photographer based between Toronto and Hong Kong. Exploring themes of climate crisis, Asian diaspora, and social movements, she believes in the power of visual storytelling to connect one another and drive... MORE
Public Story
Global News: Raging Asian Women
Copyright Katherine Cheng 2024
Date of Work May 2022 - Jul 2022
Updated Jul 2022
Location Toronto
Topics Featured Film, Videos
Summary
In celebration of Asian Heritage Month and Pride in Canada, a group of pan-Asian women and non-binary drummers called Raging Asian Women (RAW), are making themselves heard through the traditional performance of Japanese Taiko drumming, one of the few ensembles of its kind.
In celebration of Asian Heritage Month and Pride in Canada, a group of pan-Asian women and non-binary drummers called Raging Asian Women (RAW), are making themselves heard through the traditional performance of Japanese Taiko drumming, one of the few ensembles of its kind.

In Japanese, "taiko" literally means "drum," first used in ancient Japan over 2000 years ago. However the term has also come to refer to the wider art of traditional and modern Japanese drumming, with a mix of various technical rhythms, forms and instruments.

The origins of RAW lay in “trying to fight against stereotypes of Asian women as submissive or quiet or powerless,” said Jody Chan, one of the drummers of the group.

Y.J., another member of the group, said that “there’s still moments where I just feel a sense of pride and connection that I don’t think I feel anywhere else” when performing or rehearsing.

Asian Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Canadians from diverse Asian backgrounds to the nation’s history, culture, and achievements. Started in the 1990s, the Government of Canada officially designated the month of May for celebrations in 2002.

A recent survey released by the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter (CCNC) and Project 1907 showed that reports of anti-Asian incidents last year saw a 47 per cent increase from 2020.
LinkedIn Icon Facebook Icon Twitter Icon
1,734

Also by Katherine Cheng —

Story

[The Narwhal] Experimental Lakes Area

Katherine Cheng / Kenora
Story

[The Narwhal] Life Along the Proposed Highway 413

Katherine Cheng / Toronto, Canada
Story

[Global News] How electric vehicles are sparking a battery recycling revolution

Katherine Cheng / Kingston, Canada
Story

[CBC] Parallel Lives

Katherine Cheng / Toronto, Canada
Story

No War

Katherine Cheng / Toronto
Story

[Globe and Mail] Dance of the Lion, Year of the Tiger

Katherine Cheng / Toronto
Story

[2019-2021] Hong Kong Protests: Behind the Front Lines

Katherine Cheng / Hong Kong
Story

[China Dialogue] Guardians of the Pearl River Delta

Katherine Cheng / Hong Kong
Story

[International Environmental Photography Lab] Through the Five Senses

Katherine Cheng / Hong Kong
Global News: Raging Asian Women by Katherine Cheng
Sign-up for
For more access