With summer just around the corner, we reflect back on the beautiful day that kicked off our sunny season! On May 2, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) was bursting with community spirit at our annual Nikkei Spring Bazaar.
It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces and new friends spending an afternoon celebrating Nikkei culture. Inside, shoppers hunted through flea market stalls for Japanese treasures and handmade crafts, while the garden hosted a variety of plant sales.
Of course, you can’t have a bazaar without incredible food! Visitors eagerly lined up for Japanese comfort foods. A massive shout-out to the NNMCC Auxiliary members for their hard work in preparing these beloved treats such as chirashi, manju, anpan and more.
The Centre was also packed with vibrant activities. Families celebrated Children’s Day with the colourful Koinobori (carp streamers) and Kabuto (samurai helmet) on display, while friendly Shogi matches took place on the hall stage. Visitors also explored our gallery exhibitions and joined in a hula dance class.
O-tsukaresama deshita to our phenomenal volunteers, vendors, and donors, and doomo arigatoo gozaimashita to everyone who attended! Proceeds directly benefit the NNMCC’s cultural and educational programs, ensuring we can continue preserving the legacy of Japanese Canadians.
Interested in getting involved before our next big summer event? Consider joining as a volunteer!
We would like to thank everyone who donated items and plants for us to fundraise at our NNMCC Auxiliary Otakara Market and Plant Sale!
Martin Blaine
Akira Takeda
Mayumi Takeshita
Linda Kimoto Lawrence
Partick Hamaguchi on behalf of Yuji and Sumie Hamaguchi
Carol Arizawa and Jean Tateyama
Sonoko Hattori
Yumi Kosaka
Elaine Homma
Christine Saruyama on behalf of Iwao Saruyama
Mitsue Hamaura
Suzuka Natsuhara
Photographs by Adam PW Smith
