~ shichu no sankyo | 市中の山居 ~

The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is transforming our second-floor multipurpose Tatami Room into an immersive cultural space to celebrate, practice and share Japanese arts, crafts and traditions. The room will feature an authentic chashitsu, Japanese tea room, designed to honour “The Way of Tea” and transport our visitors into an oasis in the middle of Nikkei Place.

Make an impact and support the project as a part of Nikkei Place Foundation’s Nikkei Next Building Improvement Campaign!

Project Description

Building on the intentions of the original multipurpose Tatami Room created over 25 years ago, we are embarking on a significant renovation – one that is small in physical footprint yet immense in its depth and impact for future generations.

Currently, tucked away on the second-floor of Nikkei Centre, the existing Tatami Room offers a washitsu – a Japanese room with bamboo mats, an alcove and display space – paired with a kitchenette and programming space, that has served the Nikkei Centre since it opened September 22, 2000. As the room amenities age with use, we have identified the opportunities to improve functionality, enhance aesthetics qualities and increase utilization.

Nikkei Centre has engaged designer Shihoko Shimizu of Vector International Homes to develop the design of the cultural space including the chashitsu. Thanks to the support from cultural experts, tea practitioners and community programming partners, the design incorporates authentic tradition, with contemporary aesthetics and innovative solutions to meet the needs of strict design requirements refined by Japanese tea culture over hundreds of years, and make programming accessible to contemporary Canadian audiences.

While the design prioritizes the functionality of a chashitsu, the space will suit a variety of Japanese seasonal arts and craft programs, such as ikebana, kimono kitsuke, temari, mizuhiki, and karuta. The room will be used for educational and public programs, and available to rent for private functions.

We look forward to sharing more about the process of undergoing this transformation, one that is only possible through the generous support of numerous individuals who have and continue to contribute financial support, expertise, insight and inspiration.

While we await our building permit, we anticipate a spring 2027 opening of the transformed cultural space!

Community Impact

The room will meet the needs of a wide audience with multiple functions to maximize utilization while maintaining authenticity. Tea practitioners may wish to use the room for private chaji tea gatherings or teaching weekly okeiko lessons. The public will have opportunities to attend programs, workshops and demonstrations introducing the principles and practices of tea, cuisine, arts and architecture of Japan. Our museum field trip program will engage Metro Vancouver school students, enriching cross-cultural awareness, understanding and appreciation. Private rentals of the room will be available for small groups, such as intimate weddings and special occasions.

Stay tuned to our e-newsletter and check back at this page for updates as the Tearoom Project progresses!

概要

「日系センター茶室プロジェクト」は、2000年の開館以来長年にわたり利用されてきた2階の畳の部屋を改装し、日本文化を体験・学ぶ場としてだけでなく、教育プログラムやコミュニティの交流、レンタルスペースとして活用できる新たな文化空間へと生まれ変わらせるプロジェクトです。この空間が、地域の皆さまの憩いと交流の場となり、お茶会への参加や開催、茶道を学ぶ機会を提供するとともに、日本の文化や伝統を次世代へ伝え、人と人とのつながりを育むことを目指しています。

地域の活性化

伝統的な茶室の機能を大切にしながら、茶道の茶事やお稽古をはじめ、料理、芸術、工芸などの文化プログラムやワークショップ、学校向けの学習プログラムに活用します。また、少人数の特別な集まりやミーティングなどのプライベートイベントにもご利用いただけます。

皆さまの温かいご支援を、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。