The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is excited to announce the 12th annual Nikkei Matsuri, an authentic celebration of Japanese culture. Join us for a weekend of festivities on Friday, August 30 from 4pm-10pm, Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 from 11am-7pm. Admission is free for those under 18 and over 65, and members. Adults: $8 online tickets; $10 at the door.
Zenyasai Online Tickets (Aug 30)
Matsuri Online Tickets (Aug 31, Sep 1)
Festival Highlights:
- Cultural Experiences: Witness the lively Mikoshi procession and participate in the Bon Odori dance around the festival Yagura tower. Yukata rentals are available for those wanting to dress in traditional Japanese festival attire.
- Food & Games: Enjoy Yatai street food stalls and food trucks offering delicious Japanese festival foods. Young attendees will love festival games like yo-yo balloon fishing, super ball scooping, balloon darts, and more, with fun prizes to be won.
- Activities & Shopping: Enjoy treats and unique shopping opportunities at the Food Zone, Beer Garden, Nikkei Cafe, Marketplace, Tea Room, and Japanese Bookstore. Explore Hello Kitty crafts, museum exhibits and archives, and relax at the Seniors Lounge.
Special Event:
Matsuri Eve Zenyasai Beer Garden: Relax and dance on Friday, August 30, from 4pm-10pm among chochin lanterns and the Yagura tower in the garden. Enjoy cold beer, Japanese sake, and festival foods while dancing to summertime house music.
Special Guests from Japan:
Masaki Yogi: A sanshin player, teacher, and maker from Miyako Island, Okinawa, will exhibit, sell, repair, and perform sanshin. miyako-mokkougei.jp
WA Studio KIWA: A Kimono upcycling designer, presenting a stage performance, display of unique creations, and workshops. wastudiokiwa.com
Mrs. Candy-G: A candy artist transforming soft candy into edible animal figures. amazingcandies.com
Local Performers:
- Appare Yosakoi Vancouver: Lively dance with wooden instruments called naruko. yosakoivancouver.com
- Chibi Taiko: Canada’s first children’s taiko ensemble. chibitaiko.com
- Hitotose: Japanese sword fighting performances by actors Haruno Niiyama and Yuki Kedoin
- Kotononekai: Koto players led by koto master Yuriko Nariya.
- Non Sweet: Local Japanese pop music group. www.nonsweet.ca
- Mikoshi Rakuichi: Mikoshi (portable shrines), festive tunes, and lion dance. www.rakuichi.ca
- Satsuki-kai: Formal Japanese dance group led by Nishikawa Kayo. satsukikaibc.wixsite.com
- Shooting Star Media: Local indie group presenting Japanese pop dance covers and original compositions. Youtube
- Southern Wave Okinawan Music and Dance Society: Showcasing Okinawan culture through music and dance. southernwavebc.org
- Vancouver Okinawa Taiko: Okinawan-style drumming and dancing with traditional and contemporary music. vancouvertaiko.ca
- Wailele Wai Wai: Performing contemporary Hawaiian hula with rhythmic storytelling. www.wailelewaiwai.com
and more…
Martial Arts Demonstrations:
- Ishikawa Family Judo Club
- Shorinji Kempo
- Aikido Vancouver Shomonkai
- Sato-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do International
- Renbu Dojo Kendo
- Seishinkan Iaido
We invite everyone to celebrate and experience the best of Japanese culture in the heart of Burnaby. Our festival is made possible by the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, community partners, and members. Proceeds benefit the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre’s cultural and community programs, educational outreach, archives, and exhibits. For more information about Nikkei Matsuri, artist bios, and to stay updated on event details, please visit our website NIKKEIMATSURI.CA. And follow us on social media.
