#NikkeiTogether
As we step into the new year, we hope you will continue to stand with us, fostering the kizuna – the deep bonds and connections, that unite our community and generations.
Below is a preview of the exciting activities, cultural programs and services for seniors to look forward to in the coming months — made possible through the dedication and generosity of supporters.
Source: Letter from E. C. Banno (Kaslo, BC) to Eiji Yatabe (St. Thomas, ON), 4 January 1943. Eiji Yatabe Collection. NNMCC 2018.36.1.8.32.
Archivist’s Corner
This letter is part of the Eiji Yatabe Collection at the Nikkei National Museum. Sent to Eiji from Dr. Edward Chutaro Banno, both originally from Vancouver, BC, the letter was written shortly after Eiji’s forced relocation to St. Thomas, ON, and Dr. Banno’s internment in Kaslo, BC. Dr. Banno comments on its disruptions to their lives and friendships. Such records provide insight into the impact of discriminatory policies like forcible internment and relocation on Japanese Canadian families, friendships, careers, and daily routines. Explore more records from our collection at nikkeimuseum.org.
For access to the collections, the Charles H. Kadota Resource Centre is open by appointment Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and closed weekends and statutory holidays. Appointments outside of these hours may be available, when requested. Contact the Collections & Archives Team by email at archives@nikkeiplace.org.
BENTO BOX DELIVERY
Don’t miss our Japanese Lunch Box Delivery Service for Seniors
Japanese Lunch Box Delivery Service for Seniors
A delicious, convenient way to enjoy a meal from the comfort of home. Each lunch box, crafted with care at Nikkei Home, is available for just $8.
Program funded by the JCLS community grant
—
If you are interested in this service, please contact us for more information:
Keiko Ferrier
Phone Number: 604-777-5000 (Ext. 2007)
E-mail: Projectcoordinator@nikkeishc.com
Delivery Options
Choose from Monday, Thursday, or Friday.
Delivery Time
Between 12:00 and 13:30*
*depending on your location.
Building Community Through Seniors’ Care
Kenko Wellness Lounge Programs
Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society’s Outreach Programs create connections that enrich lives. Through activities like chair exercises, watercolour painting, brain games, and community lunches, these programs provide seniors with a space for movement, creativity, and social engagement—essential components for healthy ageing.
More than just classes, these programs are lifelines for seniors to stay active, sharp, and emotionally connected. Every interaction, every shared laugh, and every new skill developed enhances vitality and supports overall well-being.
At Nikkei Place, we believe in building a community where ageing is met with dignity, joy, and support—for everyone’s peace of mind today and tomorrow.
KENKO WELLNESS LOUNGE PROGRAMS
Location: Kenko Wellness Lounge, next to Robert Nimi Nikkei Home | 6680 Southoaks Crescent
Contact: Mikiko Furukawa, Activity Worker
mfurukawa@nikkeishc.com or 604-777-5000 (Ext. 2007)
Programs offered starting on January 6, 2025:
| ACTIVITY | DAY | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read Aloud (Japanese) | Tuesday | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | $5 /class |
| Stretch & Yoga | Tuesday | 10:45 - 11:30 AM | $6 /class |
| Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise | Tuesday | 1:30 - 2:15 PM | $6 /class |
| Watercolour Painting | Tuesday | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | $5 /class |
| Cognicise | Tuesday | 2:30 - 3:30 PM | $8 /class or $80 /10 weeks |
| Upper Body Exercise | Saturday | 10:30 - 11:15 AM | $6 /class |
| Lower Body & Pelvic Muscle Training | Saturday | 2:00 - 2:40 PM | $6 /class |
Mochitsuki Celebration
December 29, 2024
Mochitsuki is the traditional Japanese process of making mochi, it involves steaming glutinous rice and then pounding it with a large pestle in a mortar called “usu.” This pounding creates a sticky, elastic texture that is characteristic of mochi.
Join us on December 29, 2024, at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre for a traditional Mochitsuki celebration! Come take part and enjoy a hands-on cultural experience.
This celebration promises to bring families and the community together for a traditional Japanese New Year experience, featuring fresh and frozen mochi, along with food and drink vendors and stage performances.
Location:
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Date & Time: December 29, 2024, 11am - 3pm
Cost: Free admission
Exhibits
Location: 1F Karasawa Gallery
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Time: 10am- 5pm, closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays
#ArtForAll Campaign
To ensure our exhibits remain free for the public, we’ve launched the #ArtForAll campaign. Donations will support the museum’s mission to provide culturally rich, educational exhibits at no cost. Your contribution helps preserve important stories and make art accessible to everyone. Visit www.centre.nikkeiplace.org/support-us/art-for-all/ to donate.
Haq and History
Date: October 19, 2024 to January 25, 2025
The Haq and History exhibit highlights stories of South Asian Canadian immigrants to BC and includes new research on the intersection between the Punjabi and Japanese Canadian communities in Paldi.
Nikkei Artists Pop-Up
Date: February, 2025 to September, 2025
The Nikkei Artists Pop-up highlights a selection of Japanese Canadian artists from across Canada with diverse art practices from traditional to contemporary.
Beautifully Broken – Kinstugi
Date: October, 2025 to February, 2026
Kyoto-born BC-based Naoko Fukumaru creates traditional and contemporary Kintsugi that invites the viewer to be open, and to reflect on self-awareness and acceptance while moving towards building resilience and gratitude that can help heal ourselves and the world.
Kizuna: Connecting Hearts, Building Community
Sakura Gala 2024
The 2024 Sakura Gala was a memorable evening. Held at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel on Saturday, October 5th, the gala embraced the theme Kizuna—the bonds and connections that bind us together and create a strong sense of community. Kizuna truly captured the essence of the evening as friends and families reunited and we honoured our community leaders and supported fundraising efforts.
Ruth Midori Coles was awarded the 2024 Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dan Nomura and Dennis Shikaze were honoured with the 2024 Nikkei Community & Business Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. These remarkable individuals have been unwavering leaders with their dedication and service within the Japanese Canadian community. Celebrating their invaluable contributions was both an honour and an inspiration to all in attendance.
Check out the photo gallery and videos:
Your Legacy, Our Future
Please consider providing your support to the Nikkei community by including Nikkei Place Foundation in your will or estate plans. A legacy gift ensures that our culture, history, and services continue to thrive, while also empowering the next generation of Nikkei Canadians.
Your generosity today creates an enduring impact—preserving our heritage, supporting our elders, and nurturing young leaders.
Give Online
Donations made before midnight on December 31 will receive a tax receipt for the current year.
オンラインにてご寄付いただく場合は、12月31日までに完了することで、当年度の領収書を発行いたします。以降は次年度のお取り扱いとなります。
For inquiries regarding all donations and tax receipts, phone 604-777-2122 or email gifts@nikkeiplacefoundation.org for more details.
Support #NikkeiTogether with a Year-End Donation
Your donations play a vital role in preserving history, support our elders, educating future generations, and celebrating culture. By supporting, you help ensure that the stories of resilience, perseverance, and culture are passed on to future generations. Together, we can strengthen our community and honour a legacy that connects generations.
