Event Details
A vibrant night of community awaits you
Join us for an enchanting evening at the Nikkei Place Foundation Sakura Gala, celebrating 25 years of Nikkei Place—a community built through the vision and dedication of Japanese Canadians (nikkei) to preserve history and culture, and to provide compassionate care for seniors.
This special milestone event will feature the presentation of the Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award to distinguished community leaders Gary Kawaguchi and Sam Yamamoto, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the community. Enjoy a memorable night of live entertainment, auctions, and a plated 3-course fine dining experience from Zen Japanese Restaurant as we celebrate our shared legacy and look toward the future.
The Sakura Gala plays a vital role in sustaining Nikkei Place and advancing key initiatives that will help prepare us for the next 25 years.
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2025
Registration, cocktail reception & silent auction opens at 5pm
Evening program begins at 6 pm
LOCATION
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent
Burnaby, BC
TICKETS
Individual: $250 | Table of 8: $1,800
Contact us to join the waitlist.
Energetic drum-dancing by Vancouver Okinawa Taiko
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko shares the Okinawan drum-dancing tradition of Eisa while promoting Okinawan cultural heritage. Their multi-generational membership reflects the community roots of this folk art. Performances feature Eisa-style drums accompanied by traditional and contemporary Okinawan music.
Dynamic samurai sword artistry by Hitotose
Hitotose is a samurai performance group founded by Haruno and Yuki that specializes in Tate (殺陣) — a traditional Japanese art that combines choreographed sword fighting with acting to tell compelling stories through movement. The founders are also professional actors whose credits include principal roles in the TV series Shōgun (portraying Natsu no Kata and Takemaru), as well as appearances in Pachinko Season 2 and the video game Assassin’s Creed Shadows, among other projects.
3-course fine dining experience by Zen Japanese Restaurant
Zen Japanese Restaurant is known for its refined interpretation of Japanese cuisine, blending traditional Japanese roots with a contemporary approach. Guided by a commitment to high-quality, sustainable ingredients, and attentive service, Zen promises an exceptional culinary experience.
The Art of Ikebana by Vancouver Ikebana Association
Vancouver Ikebana Association brings beauty and elegance to the evening with ikebana. Each table will feature a thoughtfully crafted arrangement; through their artistry, the Association brings this timeless tradition to life.
Manju by the Nikkei Centre Auxiliary
The Nikkei Centre Auxiliary has long supported the Museum and Cultural Centre through volunteer efforts and community initiatives. At this year's gala, they’ll be delighting guests with freshly made manju, sharing a taste of tradition and sweet community spirit.
Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award
2026 Recipients
Gary Kawaguchi
Gary is a distinguished Japanese Canadian community leader and Toronto-based senior executive with a corporate background that includes Pepsi-Cola Canada, Canadian Tire, Canada Trust, and Look Communications. He also founded PRL Benefits Limited and served as President, specializing in employee group benefits, pensions, and Workers’ Compensation. PRL Benefits Limited is a subsidiary company to Purves Redmond Limited one of Canada’s largest independent insurance brokerage companies.
Deeply committed to the Japanese Canadian community, Gary has served as Past President of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) in Toronto and as a Director on the boards of both the JCCC and the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. He has also advised the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, contributing his corporate expertise to major cultural and community initiatives across Canada. Recently, Gary was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Consul-General of Japan in 2024 for promoting Japanese culture in Canada and friendship and goodwill between Japan and Canada.
Sam Yamamoto
Sam Yamamoto is an accomplished entrepreneur who founded Seaward Construction in 1955, completing major projects for BC Rail, PGE Rail, CN Rail, CP Rail, and others. He has also been a steadfast supporter of Nikkei Place and other charities for decades. For numerous years he served as a Director on the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and Nikkei Place Foundation (NPF) boards, and was subsequently named Director Emeritus of the NPF board in recognition of his service.
With more than 55 years of experience in the construction industry, he has provided invaluable guidance and hands-on support to ensure the development, care, and longevity of Nikkei Place’s facilities. During the construction of the NNMCC, he served on the Building Committee and worked closely with the architect, building contractors, and sub-trades to oversee the quality of workmanship, while ensuring the project was delivered on budget and on schedule. He has been a driving force behind many fundraising and community-building efforts, leveraging his generosity and extensive business and community networks. At 104, he remains an active and highly respected leader whose lifelong commitment continues to inspire and strengthen the Japanese Canadian community.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Supporters!
Anonymous
93 Coffee
Aburi Restaurants Canada
Justin Ault - ReMax Real Estate Services
Axis Planning Inc.
Bains Digital Tech Services Ltd.
BC Lions Football
Bear Mountain Golf Resort
Bosa Foods
Canadian Tire
Canfisco Group
Coast Hotels
Ruth & Michael Coles
Consul General of Japan
Fortis BC
Fujiya
Keiko Funahashi
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
COMMUNITY
PARTNERS
Adam Smith
Hitotose
NNMCC Auxiliary
Nikkei Centre Volunteers
Okinawa Taiko
Vancouver Ikebana Association
AUCTION DONORS
Kiyo Goto & Joyce Oikawa
Great Bear Carbon
Helijet
Brian Hirano
In Memory of Ted Itani
Catherine Hoogerhyde
Kariya Family
KUNON Landscape & Design Ltd.
Kyoto Garden Landscaping
William Lao
Listel Hospitality Group
LUCKY CAT QUILT SHOP
Gail Mayer
Meadow Gardens Golf Club
Mt Seymour Resorts
Carrie Okano
Pacific Salmon Industries Inc.
KANPAI
PARTNER
SUSTAINABILITY
PARTNER
SAKAI Landscape & Design Ltd
Sasaki Art Gallery
Soma Burnaby
Sonray Sales Ltd.
Tacofino
Tatchan Noodle
Tojo's
Unsworth Vineyards
Vancouver Golf Club
Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall
Fred Yada
Norine Yamamoto
Yuji’s from Japan
Zen Japanese Restaurant
Ways to Support
Sponsorship
Become a Sakura Gala sponsor — Your support will be seen and celebrated, showcasing your company’s commitment to social good while directly supporting initiatives that preserve Japanese Canadian heritage, celebrate culture, honour seniors, and strengthen community connections.
Donate an Item to Our Auctions and Raffle
Be part of the evening’s auctions and raffle, offering the opportunity for our distinguished audience to discover and engage with your brand. Many donations are tax-receiptable—please ask us for details.
Make a Donation
Celebrate Nikkei Place’s 25th Anniversary with a donation to the Sakura Gala, and receive a charitable tax receipt for your gift.
Contact Us
604.777.2122
gala@nikkeiplacefoundation.org
6688 Southoaks Crescent
Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7