Rain couldn’t dampen the festive spirit at our inaugural Oshōgatsu Japanese New Year Celebrations on January 4, 2025. It was a heartwarming sight to see so many Nikkei groups come together to share the beauty of Japanese New Year traditions.
The Gladstone Japanese Language School expertly guided participants in the art of Karuta (their very own original Japanese alphabet card game) and Sugoroku, while Tonari Gumi captivated everyone with the intricacies of Hanafuda (rules developed by Steveston fishermen and locally called Gaji), where friendly competition quickly heated up. Shogi and Go enthusiasts of all levels found their match with members of the Canada Shogi Club and Vancouver Go Club, where the quiet focus on strategy created a sense of calm amidst the lively atmosphere.
The Robert Nimi Nikkei Home brought a touch of artistry with their engaging Origami activities. And who could resist the allure of Japanese loose tea tasting hosted by the knowledgeable Janice Chan? The Budojo was a hub of activity as both young and old eagerly joined the hula dance class, filling the room with vibrant energy.
A special highlight was the Kakizome new year calligraphy station, where participants thoughtfully reflected on the past year and set their intentions for the year ahead, their brushstrokes capturing their hopes and aspirations. Thank you to Oomomo for their generous donation in support of Kakizome.
It was truly a day filled with playful challenges and community. We are incredibly grateful to all the community groups and our wonderful volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to make this event a success. And a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated this New Year Japanese style with us.
We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. Happy 2025!
Photos by Adam PW Smith
Thank you to members of the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association for setting up the festive Kadomatsu during the event.
