We’re thrilled to share in the celebration of a significant milestone: the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Burnaby and Kushiro, Japan! As a central hub for Japanese Canadian culture and community, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is especially proud to play a part in this enduring friendship.
To commemorate this special occasion, the beautiful Kushiro Lane Garden was officially opened right beside Nimi Nikkei Home. On July 13, 2025, Acting Burnaby Mayor Daniel Tetrault and Kushiro Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma together cut the ribbon, officially unveiling this new symbol of connection.
Photographer Saito Koichi
This garden and Kushiro Lane itself, located here at Nikkei Place, serve as a lasting testament to six decades of goodwill, friendship, and ongoing cultural exchanges between the citizens of Burnaby and Kushiro.
Photographer Saito Koichi
The plaque in the garden beautifully summarizes this sentiment:
KUSHIRO LANE
Kushiro Lane commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Kushiro, Japan and the City of Burnaby. Officially opened on July 13, 2025, by Mayor Mike Hurley and Kushiro Mayor Hidenori Tsuruma, Kushiro Lane and this garden at Nikkei Place symbolize 60 years of goodwill, friendship, and ongoing exchanges between the citizens of Burnaby and Kushiro.
釧路レーン
釧路レーンは、釧路市とバーナビー市の姉妹都市提携60周年を記念し、2025年7月13日にマイク・ハーリー市長と鶴間秀典市長によって正式に公開されました。日系プレース内に設けられた釧路レーンとこの庭園は、バーナビー市民と釧路市民の60年にわたる親善、友情、継続的な交流の象徴です。
Special appreciation to: Henry Wakabayashi, Ken Shinozaki, Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association, and Nikkei Place
You can read the official announcement from the City of Burnaby here: https://www.burnaby.ca/our-city/news/2025-07-15/kushiro-lane-opens-burnaby-celebrates-60-years-friendship-kushiro
We’re also incredibly proud to announce that our very own Danielle Jette, Design and Exhibit Coordinator, designed the colourful street banners for this special occasion.
