Experience Japanese Culture, Food, Music, and Traditions at Nikkei Matsuri
Nikkei Matsuri is a vibrant cultural celebration of an authentic Japanese festival, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese arts and culture.
This year, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre will be hosting 2 events over 3 days to celebrate the occasion.
Matsuri Eve Zenyasai Beer Garden (Aug 30)
A special pre-festival event, the ‘Zenyasai Beer Garden,’ will be held on Friday, August 30.
This evening event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy dance music and cold refreshments in a picturesque Japanese garden setting. Attendees can savor cold beer, sake, and other beverages while enjoying music provided by several talented DJs, each bringing their signature sound.
When: Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4pm-10pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Tickets are available online here. Prices are as follows:
- General admission for 18-64 yr is $10 at the door or $8 plus tax online.
- Admission is free for youth 17 and younger and for seniors 65 and older.
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Nikkei Matsuri (Aug 31 – Sept 1)
The main festival will take place from August 31 to September 1,
Visitors can enjoy an array of culinary delights that showcase Japanese cuisine, while also experiencing traditional Japanese arts such as taiko drumming, Odori dancing, and martial arts demonstrations.
Festival Highlights:
- Cultural Experiences: Witness the lively Mikoshi procession and participate in the Bon Odori dance around the festival Yagura tower. Yukata rentals are available for those wanting to dress in traditional Japanese festival attire.
- Food & Games: Enjoy Yatai street food stalls and food trucks offering delicious Japanese festival foods. Young attendees will love festival games like yo-yo balloon fishing, super ball scooping, balloon darts, and more, with fun prizes to be won.
- Activities & Shopping: Enjoy treats and unique shopping opportunities at the Food Zone, Beer Garden, Nikkei Cafe, Marketplace, Tea Room, and Japanese Bookstore. Explore Hello Kitty crafts, museum exhibits and archives, and relax at the Seniors Lounge.
- Special Event:
Matsuri Eve Zenyasai Beer Garden: Relax and dance on Friday, August 30, from 4pm-10pm among chochin lanterns and the Yagura tower in the garden. Enjoy cold beer, Japanese sake, and festival foods while dancing to summertime house music. - Special Guests from Japan:
Masaki Yogi: A sanshin player, teacher, and maker from Miyako Island, Okinawa, will exhibit, sell, repair, and perform sanshin. miyako-mokkougei.jp - WA Studio KIWA: A Kimono upcycling designer, presenting a stage performance, display of unique creations, and workshops. wastudiokiwa.com
- Mrs. Candy-G: A candy artist transforming soft candy into edible animal figures. amazingcandies.com
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 31 and September 1 from 11am-7pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Tickets are available online here. Prices are as follows:
- General admission for 18-64 yr is $10 at the door or $8 plus tax online.
- Admission is free for youth 17 and younger and for seniors 65 and older.
For more information, please visit NIKKEIMATSURI.CA.
