Community Update on Japanese Canadian Survivors Health and Wellness Fund and BC Redress
Read the latest community update on BC Redress Japanese Canadian Legacy Initiatives.
Knits by Nikkei Seniors
Knits by Nikkei Seniors
Knits by Nikkei Seniors
At Nikkei Place, seniors at Robert Nimi Nikkei Home have been encouraged by letters and poems from the community, pictures from children, and donations of yarn during the pandemic lockdown.
A group of seniors have been knitting for months, nurturing these seeds of community support.
The knitted items full of community spirit will be available at Nikkei National Museum’s gift shop, with all proceeds to support the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre’s Resilience Fundraiser to help raise funds to support a place where the community can continue to gather into the future.
Thank you to the community for supporting our seniors, and thank you to the seniors for giving back to the community.
We are proud to be share this cycle of taking care of each other.
A Family Day Festival is Coming to Nikkei Centre This Weekend!
Family Day celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities. Join us at Nikkei Centre for some food, games, movies and more.
Celebrate Family Day Weekend at Nikkei Centre
Come down to Nikkei Centre on Feb 15 & 16 to celebrate Family Day weekend with food, games, movies and more!
Family Day celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities. If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family to do on Family Day, look no further! Join us at Nikkei Centre for some food, games, movies and more. Keep scrolling to find out what’s planned!
Event Details
Family Day Weekend
Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
10am-4pm
Nikkei Centre — 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
There’s lots to see, do and eat!
Check out the program guide below
On Both Days - February 15 & 16
Japanese Book Sale
February 15 & 16
10am - 4pm
Browse and discover thousands of Japanese books, manga, CDs and DVDs! The widest selection of used Japanese books in Metro Vancouver! There will be a small section of English books too! Come and enjoy browsing through an ample selection of books. Come and browse through tables of treasures! Please bring your own bags.
古本市
2020年最初のブックセール、お楽しみに
Food
February 15 & 16
10am - 4pm
Games
February 15 & 16
10am - 4pm
FREE
Have you ever experienced virtual reality? Well, now's your chance! Make sure to stop by the second floor landing, where Telus will be presenting virtual reality games for all ages to try out!! Come try your hand at other family-friendly games, too, and win some prizes!
ゲームコーナーバーチャルリアリティなどのゲームが楽しめます！
Japanese Culture Corner
February 15 & 16
10am - 4pm
FREE
Learn to play with a traditional Japanese toy, Kendama, colour and craft a fan (Uchiwa), or try making some beautiful flowers with Origami papers during the Family Festival! Fun for all ages
ニッポン庵
けん玉、うちわ作り、折り紙など日本的なアクティビティを体験できます。
Sand Art Workshop
February 15 & 16
10am - 11am
$20+ depending on the decorations used
Join us for this child-friendly craft workshop! Create your unique sand art creation with various decoration pieces that you like! During the workshop, you will be given a glass cup, which you will then fill up with colourful sand! Fun for all ages.
Register today to secure your spots and pay on site!
サンドアートワークショップ
カラフルな砂で自分だけの作品を作ってみませんか？好みのアレンジで楽しく参加できます。
Kamishibai Theatre
February 15 & 16
2pm - 4pm
FREE
Be inspired! Enjoy a Kamishibai, Japanese theatre-style storytelling, by team Earth Ojisan and learn how to be eco and earth-friendly. Feel free to come in anytime to try some hands-on activities during the open hours! The team Earth Ojisan will teach children at a young age (and adults!) to be environmentally aware, so that you can build lifelong habits that could potentially make a dramatic difference in the future of the earth.
These fun activities and resources are brought to you by team Earth Ojisan, inspired and adapted by the Japanese picture book, Earth Ojisan.
紙芝居
身近なことから変えていこう！かわいい絵が魅力のEARTHおじさんと学ぶ地球の問題。ご家族でどうぞ！
Saturday, February 15 Only
Chocolate Making Workshop
February 15
2pm - 4pm
$30+ (see below)
Popular local chocolatier Coconama will be sharing the art of chocolate-making in an exciting workshop ideal for all lovers of chocolate! This is your opportunity to gain a hands-on introduction to the chocolate-making experience. Coconama will guide participants through a step-by-step process, where you'll start with nothing but cacao beans and finish with your very own edible creation! This is a unique chance to learn how chocolate is made, and eat chocolate crafted by your own hands.
Learn a brief story about cacao beans, taste chocolate from different countries, and experience the art of chocolate making.
Special Family Day Rates:
$30 /per person or $50 /for two
$60 for a group/family of 3
Suitable for 6 and up
Reserve your spots today!
チョコレート作り
チョコレートってなにから作るの？チョコレートってどうやって作るの？そんな子どものなぜなぜに答えがでます！カカオ豆からチョコレートを作れるこのレアなチャンスをお見逃しなく！
Magic Show by Magic Joji!
February 15
1pm - 1:30pm
FREE
Don't forget to witness the incredible magic acts of local magician, Magic Joji! This special guest performance will only be held ONCE, Saturday at 1pm, so don't miss it!!
手品
人気ローカルマジシャン、マジックジョージのショーをお楽しみください！
Sunday, February 16 Only
“Modest Heroes” Anime Movie Screening
February 16
1:30pm / 2:30pm / 3:30pm
PG | Animation, Adventure, Family | August 2018 (Japan)Studio Ponoc, the new animation studio founded by two-time Academy Award®-nominee Yoshiaki Nishimura (The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There) and featuring many artists from the venerable Studio Ghibli, made an immediate splash with their acclaimed debut film Mary and The Witch’s Flower, a 2017 Animation is Film selection. The studio returns to the festival this year with Modest Heroes, an ambitious collection of three thrilling tales created by some of the greatest talents working in Japanese animation today.
Click here for more screening information!
小さな英雄 -カニとタマゴと透明人間ファミリーデイの期間、日系センターで映画が無料で楽しめます！スタジオジブリでも活躍した監督たちによるショートフィルムをお楽しみください。
Tea Class Free Demo
February 16
12pm / 1pm / 2pm
Join us for a free Valentine's-themed demonstration of our new Japanese cultural program for kids, tea ceremony. Tea ceremony combines many aspects of Japanese culture into a single experience: from etiquette to art appreciation, attention to seasons, traditional sweets, and of course matcha tea. In this class, beginning in April, kids ages 6-8 will learn the basics of the "chado" philosophy, or the "way of tea". Parents are encouraged to observe the class, and may enjoy matcha while observing for a small additional fee. The demonstration is free for all kids and their families!
茶道クラスデモンストレーション
4月から始まる新キッズ茶道クラスに先立ち、デモンストレーションが開催されます。どなたでも参加できます！
20 things to look forward to in 2020
As we approach the end of 2019, what we most appreciate about the upcoming year is…
Moving Foward & Changing Lives at Nikkei Place
As we approach the end of 2019, what we most appreciate about the upcoming year is a sense of hopefulness! In the Japanese tradition of “osouji”, many of us clean our homes to welcome in the new year. At Nikkei Place, we have also been looking at ways to welcome in change to improve the ways in which we operate.
Nikkei Place underwent some significant changes in 2019! The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) re-opened our now-named and newly expanded Karasawa Museum in July with our new exhibit, “Nikkei 日系”. We also said goodbye to Roger Lemire to welcome in Karah Goshinmon Foster as the new NNMCC Executive Director. The Nikkei Place Foundation (NPF) also brought on two new staff, Bobby Ruegamer and Mari Mikuni. Both NPF and Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) also launched new websites!
Building Community in 2020
Next year, NPF will be launching our 2020 Campaign “Building Community” in tandem with initiatives happening at the NNMCC and NSHCHS. Please join us throughout the year, as we celebrate the achievements of our diverse, strong and vibrant community!
There’s a lot to look forward to in 2020! View the list below.
The NNMCC will be celebrating twenty years of operations, since first opening its doors in Burnaby on September 22, 2000. Join us on September 5th & 6th to experience Japanese arts, culture and heritage at Nikkei Matsuri. Visit the Landscapes of Injustice traveling exhibit, the final stage of a 7-year project, developed in partnership with the Royal BC Museum the week of September 22nd! Celebrations will culminate at the 10th annual Nikkei Place Community Awards Dinner on October 24, 2020.
The NPF will be honouring a Nikkei community leader with the Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award (to be announced) at our Thomas Shoyama Gala on April 4, 2020. We will also be launching a bilingual version of our Will Toolkit and offering a Kenko Talk education seminar about Planned Giving, in collaboration with NSHCHS.
The NSHCHS will be raising funds for our seniors at our Charity Golf Tournament on May 29, 2020 at Riverway Golf Course. We will also be offering our “Open Doors” programming, an initiative that makes several in-house programs of Nimi Nikkei Home available to the broader community. Some of these activities include ChairFit, Tea & Chat, and others still in development.
We are immensely grateful to our staff, volunteers, donors and supporters of Nikkei Place. Our continued success is due, in large part, to their efforts and generosity. Please consider making a gift to Nikkei Place today. Donations can be made online or by contacting the NPF office at 604.777.2122.
Here's our list of 20 things to look forward to in 2020!
Nikkei Legacy Project Wrap-up report
O Hanami - April 3 & 4, 2020 at Nikkei Centre
Gladstone Language School kids start a new school year
Open Door Programs at the Kenko Wellness Lounge
Nikkei Youth Athletics Bursary: Now Accepting Applications!
Thomas Shoyama Gala - April 4, 2020
Capital improvements to New Sakura-so
Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Cheer on your fave team!
Go to the Powell Street Festival in Summer 2020
Come to Nikkei Matsuri! - Sept 5 & 6, 2020 at Nikkei Centre
Nikkei Centre Turns 20! Join in on the celebrations
Nikkei Place Charity Golf Tournament - May 29, 2020 at Riverway Golf Couse
Head to Steveston for the Salmon Festival
Bilingual Will Toolkit available to donors
Exhibits to Visit: “Nikkei 日系” rotates (February 2020), “Landscapes of Injustice” (September 2020)
Community Awards Dinner - October 24, 2020
Research Study Results: Seniors & Light Impact
Kenko Talk X NPF - Topic: Planned Giving
Mochitsuki - December 29, 2020 at Nikkei Centre
Hand-made Manju by the NNMCC Auxiliary
The Community Awards Dinner: An Evening of Thanks
Thank you to all who joined us at the Nikkei Place Community Awards + Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Nikkei Centre. In the spirit of Thanksgiving…
The Community Awards Dinner: An Evening of Thanks
Honouring Community Spirit
Thank you to all who joined us at the Nikkei Place Community Awards + Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Nikkei Centre. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we gathered with community leaders and supporters to honour the legacy of the Vancouver Asahi baseball team (1914-1941), and their strength, resilience and dedication, exemplified by this year’s awardees:
Outstanding Community Service: Frank Kamiya
Japanese Culture: Nikkei Book Committee
Japanese Canadian History Preservation & Education:
Highway Legacy Signage Committee
Congratulations to all of the awardees, and thank you for your extraordinary contributions to the Nikkei community in Canada, and the work you continue to do, to enrich the cultural landscape of Canada.
We wish to express our utmost gratitude for the support and generosity the NNMCC received at this year’s event. All proceeds sustain our ongoing work to honour, preserve, and share Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian history and heritage for a better Canada.
This Year's Community Awards + Fundraising Dinner is on October 12th
Join us for the 9th Annual Community Awards + Fundraising Dinner on October 12 at Nikkei Centre — an event that recognizes our community leaders. Congratulations to this year’s awardees…
An Evening to Recognize Our Community Leaders
Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Nikkei Centre
Join us for the 9th Annual Community Awards + Fundraising Dinner — an event that brings together philanthropists, business leaders, and supporters from the Nikkei community to recognize, congratulate and thank the extraordinary effort of Nikkei Place community leaders for their selfless contributions to building a strong and vibrant community.
EVERY GIFT RAISED for the Community Awards + Fundraising Dinner provides Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre with funding to educate and connect people to community and the history, heritage, and culture of Japanese Canadians.
Visit the event website for full event details and updates.
Tickets + Sponsorship
Individual: $130 per person* | Table of 10: $1300
To purchase tickets contact Nikkei Centre at 604.777.7000.
*A portion of each ticket is tax receiptable. Amount to be determined post-event.
To become a sponsor or discuss details, please contact Roger Lemire at rlemire@nikkeiplace.org or 604.777.7000 Ext. 105.
The Vancouver Asahi Spirit of Strength + Resilience
We Remember…
100 years ago in August, the Vancouver Asahi baseball team succeeded in winning their first pennant. Started in 1914, the team took some time to hone their skills, but with their signature “brainball” developed in the 1920s, won four Terminal League Championships between 1926 – 1933, a triple championship in 1938, and five consecutive Pacific Northwest Championships including their final win in 1941. They connected communities and won fans across ethnic divides. Although disbanded, divided, and dispersed in 1942 with the events of the Second World War, wherever an Asahi player was sent, baseball thrived, helping to boost morale in the darkest of times.
WE REMEMBER that team spirit, pride in being Japanese Canadian, and the coming together of community as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this team’s first major win, and honour this year’s Community Awards Dinner recipients.
Awardees
All awardees demonstrate tireless efforts in honouring, preserving, and sharing Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian history and heritage for a better Canada.
Japanese Canadian History and Preservation Award
75th Anniversary Nikkei Legacy Signage Project Committee
Outstanding Community Service Award
Frank Kamiya
Japanese Culture Award
Nikkei Book Sale Committee
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Venue: Nikkei Centre - 6688 Southoaks Crescent • Burnaby, BC
Tickets: $130 per person* | Table of 10: $1,300
To purchase tickets contact Nikkei Centre at 604.777.7000
*A portion of each ticket is tax receiptable. Amount to be determined post-event.
Visit the event website for full details and updates:
Celebration of Life for Gordon Kadota at Nikkei Place
Join Nikkei Place, as we celebrate the life of Gordon Ryo Kadota on September 22, 2019.
Celebration of Life for Gordon Kadota at Nikkei Place
Join Nikkei Place, as we celebrate the life of Gordon Ryo Kadota. Speeches to begin at 3:15pm. Light refreshments will be provided. No RSVP required. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please no koden or flowers as per the family’s request.
When: Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 3:00pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Special Event Hall (6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby, BC)
Gordon Ryo Kadota passed away on July 31, 2019 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia at the age of 86. A private funeral was held on August 6 at Celebration Hall in Vancouver. Gordon is survived by his second wife, Kyoko; daughter Ayako (Steve); grandchildren Sydney, Andrew and Dana; step-sons Takashi (Reiko), Haruyuki (Kim); and step-grandchildren K and Emi. Uncle Gordon will also be mourned by many nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada, the United States, England and Japan.
Gordon was born on January 15, 1933 in New Westminster, B.C., the 8th child of Kantaro and Shigeno (nee Kunita) Kadota. At the age of 7 he was taken to Japan for a visit, but the outbreak of World War II prevented his return to Canada. He spent 12 years in Japan, graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University High School and later returned to Canada in 1952.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Gordon worked in forestry and in the 1960’s entered the travel industry, eventually specializing in tourism between Canada and Japan. This led to Canaway Consultants which provided translating and business consulting services. In the early 1970’s, he also co-founded OK Gift Shop with the Canadian stores opening in Vancouver, Banff, and Niagara Falls. He remained active in the company until recently.
Beginning in the mid-1950’s, he volunteered and became a leader in the Japanese Canadian community, serving both in organizations at the local and national levels. Over the years, Gordon received numerous awards for his work in the Japanese Canadian community, in business and tourism and the betterment of relations between Japan and Canada. In 2000, his dream of creating a gathering place for the Japanese-Canadian community was realized with the building of Nikkei Place in Burnaby, B.C.
In 2016, Gordon received Nikkei Place Foundation’s Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gordon was a great story teller and often started by saying “It’s a long story”. He had a big heart, kind words and a sense of humour that made it possible for him to continue for so many years in public service. He enjoyed travel, sports particularly golf and hockey, and was always helping others in need. Those who wish to make a donation in Gordon’s memory might do so to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation or in keeping with Gordon’s philanthropic spirit, any charity of your choice.
Nikkei Matsuri: Two Days of Family-Friendly Cultural Festivities
Join in on the festivities at Nikkei Matsuri on Sat. August 31 + Sun. Sept 1! Proceeds support Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.
Nikkei Matsuri is One of the Largest Japanese Festivals in Canada!
It brings an authentic family-friendly “Matsuri” (festival) experience to Burnaby every summer at Nikkei Centre over the Labour Day weekend.
Hosted by the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC), this two-day festival on August 31 and September 1 has something for everyone, and aims to showcase the pride of Japanese culture here in Canada.
A matsuri (festival) has long been part of the cultural landscape in Japan. Many nikkei communities across North America and around the world carefully preserve and follow this tradition. Nikkei Matsuri provides a platform to celebrate Japanese culture through food, music, entertainment, games, and more.
The inaugural Nikkei Matsuri was held in 2013, and was originally organized by Nikkei Place Foundation, as a fundraiser for the NNMCC. The following summer, the organizing was handed over to the NNMCC, and has since become one of the biggest fundraising events of the year! All net proceeds benefit the NNMCC's cultural and community programs, educational outreach, and museum.
There’s plenty to see, do, and eat at Nikkei Matsuri!
Come join the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre over the Labour Day weekend to be immersed in an authentic Japanese festival in your very own community.
Enjoy delicious food offerings like manju, takoyaki, and ramen from local vendors.
Join in on the Matsuri Star Power: Spotlight Nikkei panel, and hear from Nikkei film and TV stars Tamlyn Tomita, Kevan Ohtsji, and Jennifer Spence.
Take in performances like taiko drumming and bon-odori dancing in the garden.
Play games and win prizes in the Games Zone!
See some amazing amateur talent at the Matsuri Star Talent Show in the event’s hall.
These are only some of the things to look forward to at the festival this year! Find out more at nikkeimatsuri.ca.
Get involved
If you are interested in getting involved, consider supporting Nikkei Matsuri as a sponsor or donor! You can have the chance to get your company or name showcased on the Lantern “Chochin” Wall display during the festival. Make a personal donation to Nikkei Matsuri and receive a charitable tax receipt. Or, bring your company on as an event sponsor and enjoy additional benefits. For more information about sponsorship or donations, contact Roger Lemire at rlemire@nikkeiplace.org.
You can also get involved with Nikkei Matsuri by joining the volunteer team!
Event Details
Nikkei Matsuri Family Festival
When: Sat. Aug 31 + Sun. Sept 1 | 11:00am — 7:00pm
Where: Nikkei Centre
Volunteer at Nikkei Matsuri on Aug 31 + Sept 1!
Nikkei Matsuri festival needs YOU! Make new friends, be part of a team, and support your community!
Nikkei Matsuri festival needs YOU!
What is Nikkei Matsuri?
Nikkei Matsuri is a 2-day authentic Japanese festival filled with family friendly entertainment, food, games and more. All proceeds support Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.
Volunteering at Nikkei Matsuri
The Nikkei Matsuri festival counts on a team of volunteers to help make everything run smoothly, and enjoyable for all festival goers. Volunteering your time at Nikkei Matsuri means making new friends, being part of a team, and supporting your community! Be a part of a family-friendly event that celebrates the significance of Japanese immigrants’ contribution to the Nikkei community.
We invite you to get involved, and choose to help out in the area that interests you most:
Event Set-Up & Tear-Down
Food Services
Workshops
Games
Parking
Merchandise
Greeters & Information
Registration & Tickets
Stage Assistants
...and more!
Ready to sign up? Fill out the information requested through our volunteer application form and we’ll be in touch once the Volunteer Schedule is available! Deadline to register is Friday, August 16th, 2019.
For questions please contact volunteer.nikkeimatsuri@gmail.com