Nikkei Matsuri 2025

Experience Japanese Culture, Food, Music, and Traditions at Nikkei Matsuri

The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is excited to announce the 13th annual Nikkei Matsuri, an authentic celebration of Japanese culture. This year is extra special as we celebrate Nikkei Centre’s 25th anniversary. Join us for a weekend of festivities at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby) on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 from 11am-7pm. Admission is free for those under 18 and over 65, and members. $15 ($12 advance) admission for adults.

Festival Highlights:

• Japanese Culture: Witness the lively Mikoshi procession and participate in the Bon Odori dance around the festival Yagura tower. Yukata (summer kimono) rentals are available for those who’d like to dress in traditional Japanese festival attire.
• Stage performances: Get ready to be entertained! Local performers will showcase taiko drumming, a dynamic samurai show, traditional Japanese dance, as well as an idol unit and impressive martial arts demonstrations.
• Special Guests from Japan: WA Studio KIWA is a kimono upcycling designer who will present a unique stage performance of their one-of-a-kind art dress woven from 1000 wishes.
• Family Fun: Kids can enjoy festival games such as yo-yo balloon fishing, and super ball scooping, and get creative with hands-on origami, and watercolour calligraphy. Find face painting for the young at heart, and a quiet place for seniors and families to lounge at the Nikkei Home Wellness Lounge.
• Food & Beverages: Satisfy your cravings with delicious Japanese festival foods from Yatai street food stalls, food trucks, and the Nikkei Cafe. Adults can unwind at the Beer & Sake Garden.
• Shopping: Discover unique finds! New this year is a Japanese Pop Culture Market, where you can explore the latest trends from Japan. You’ll also find great shopping opportunities at the Japanese flea market, Marketplace vendors, Museum Shop, and Japanese Bookstore.
• Art & History: Dive deeper into Japanese Canadian heritage by exploring our museum exhibits and archives.

Local Performers:

• Appare Yosakoi Vancouver: Lively dance with wooden instruments called naruko. yosakoivancouver.com
• CoSei: koto and piano duo.
• Go Taiko: the 2nd youth taiko group in BC.
• 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
• Rainy Night Troubles: classic rock duo.
• Satsuki-kai: Formal Japanese dance group. satsukikaibc.wixsite.com
• 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 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.