One of the largest Japanese-Canadian festivals in Western Canada returns to the Nikkei Centre on Labour Day weekend.
The fourth annual Nikkei Matsuri is on Sept. 3 and 4, and organizers are expecting a record-breaking attendance.
“It’s grown exponentially,” Roger Lemire, executive director of the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, told the NOW. “The first year we had 8,000 people. Annually, we get between 11,000 and 12,000. It seems to grow by a couple thousand every year.”
The two-day event features a host of activities for the whole family. There will be martial arts demonstrations, a Japanese tea ceremony and a variety of performances, including two shows by singer Yuki Maeda, who will be flying from Japan for the occasion. Back by popular demand is the talent show. Former winner A.C. Bonifacio of hip-hop group Lucky Aces went on to appear on the The Ellen Show.
For the youngsters, there’s the kids’ zone, which will have plenty to keep them busy. There’s a Hello Kitty sand picture workshop, balloon twisting, face painting and more.
In the garden, attendees can watch the carrying of the Mikoshi portable shrine, Bon-odori dancing around the Yagura tower or simply sit back with a cold one in the beer garden. As for grub, there will be 20 food vendors onsite (we recommend the Japanese pancakes).
New this year is an autograph session by the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Japanese striker, Masato Kudo, who was signed to the team last December. He’ll be meeting with fans on Sept. 4 between noon and 1 p.m.
Lemire told the NOW the Nikkei Centre started the event back in 2013 because there wasn’t much going on in terms of a Japanese family festival. It’s a very popular occurrence in Japan. Traditionally, it’s a ceremony to thank, pray and commemorate the gods, ancestors and Buddha.
“We’ve touched a nerve. We just went down that road and it was a nice way to end the summer season,” he said. “Interestingly enough, it’s very multicultural, being here in Burnaby. It garners the attention of the ethnicities that are in this area.”
The biggest challenge to date, according to Lemire, has been the festival’s growth. Should attendance continue to spike in the years to come, he might have to look at street closures.
“I hope we never have to do that. It creates such a neat synergy with the facility we have here,” he said.
For more information, check out the website at nikkeimatsuri.nikkeiplace.org.
