2026 has been an eventful and fulfilling year at Nikkei Place. As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to revisit some of the year’s highlights. As well, look ahead with us to the new year and the exciting things that are still to come in 2027!
A Year in Review
Chashitsu Japanese Tea Room
Through the Matsuri 50/50 we were able to raise a record-breaking $16,330 to support the building of the Chashitsu Japanese Tea Room at Nikkei Centre. A donor plaque is planned to honour those who give generously to the Tea Room, and will be displayed outside the completed Tea Room. Now is the best chance to donate and have your charitable tax receipts processed for 2026—for donations over $500 received by the end of the year, you’ll have the special opportunity to add your name to the donor plaque, and be recognized for perpetuity as a part of this unique legacy of living culture.
Nikkei Matsuri
The 2026 Matsuri kicked off with Zenyasai on September 4th, followed by the main festivities on September 5th and 6th. This year, the festival expanded to include a Fun Park, featuring a rich diversity of Japanese Canadian community and cultural activities and a Kids’ Crafts Corner. Special guests Shuichiro & Daichi, shamisen master and group, joined us from Japan, along with over 20 local performances and food vendors.
Return to Paueru Gai: 50 Years of Powell Street Festival
The Karasawa Gallery hosted the Return to Paueru Gai exhibit from March 26 to September 6. Celebrating 50 years of Powell Street Festival, the exhibit showcased the festival’s art and activism through photographs, videos, and installations. Curated by Emiko Morita.
Tomoni: Living with Ability, Atsu’s Story
The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre completed its 2025-2026 digitization project, Tomoni: Living with Ability, Atsu’s Story, making available over 900 photographic and textual materials from the Uyeda Family of Nakusp Collection. This collection importantly provides underrepresented perspectives on Japanese Canadian history and the everyday lives of people with disabilities, capturing the experiences of Yonezo and Yukiye Uyeda and their four children, Masayuki, Teruko, Atsushi, and Michiyo.
19th Annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic
The 19th annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic took place on May 29th at Riverway Golf Course to a resounding success. Thanks to sponsors, golfers, donors, volunteers, and community supporters, an incredible $183,628.37 was raised. An especial thank you to our matching donors, Ken and Junko Shinozaki, for their generous over-matching donation of $100,000. Look forward to the 20th annual tournament returning next year on May 28th, 2027!
Robert Nimi Nikkei Home Renovations
The dining room and reception at Robert Nimi Nikkei Home have received much-needed upgrades through the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. Visitors are greeted with a bright and modern reception desk, leading to updated office spaces for staff’s comfort and needs. A lounge area is set up in front of a beautifully carved wooden partition, with the renovated dining space opening behind, furnished with new furniture sets and cabinetry.
Looking Ahead to The New Year
Sakura Gala 2027
March 6, 2027 | Early Bird Tickets (before Dec. 14, 2026): $200, Regular Tickets: $250
📍Nikkei Centre
The Nikkei Place Foundation Sakura Gala returns on March 6 in 2027. Bringing together old and new friends in celebration of connection and community, it’s sure to be an enchanting evening of auctions, live entertainment, and fine Japanese dining by Aburi Restaurants Canada. The Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to Jim Kojima, and the Nikkei Community & Business Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award to Akiko Gomyo and Shinobu Homma. Join us in support of community and the people that shape our stories, purchase your tickets today!
Robert Nimi Nikkei Home Outreach Programs
Check schedule for times
📍Nikkei Home or Virtual
The Robert Nimi Nikkei Home offers a range of engaging outreach programs throughout the year, providing seniors opportunities to stay active, learn, and connect with the community. The Iki Iki program is one example, for seniors to enjoy activities at a relaxed pace while socializing with others, helping to manage physical decline and mild-to-moderate dementia. Another is the Outfight Parkinson’s Boxing, for those with Parkinson’s to fight back against the condition through non-contact boxing-based fitness that improves balance, coordination, strength, and mobility.
Mochitsuki
December 29, 2026 | 11am-3pm | Free
📍Nikkei Centre
Come celebrate a year-end Japanese tradition at the Nikkei Mochitsuki, happening December 29th. Experience mochitsuki traditions, flavours, and entertainment that promise to be a delightful experience for all ages.
Oshogatsu
January 2, 2027 | Free
📍Nikkei Centre
Join us to celebrate the arrival of the New Year! Experience the traditions, games, food, and culture of Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) at this festive community event on January 2, 2027.
DIS - displaced, dispersed, dispossessed
September 20, 2026 - February 28, 2027 | Free
📍Karasawa Gallery, Nikkei Centre
The DIS exhibit pairs concurrent group exhibits at the Nikkei National Museum, and the Legacy Gallery in Victoria, to bring together work from contemporary artists exploring the lasting influence of the Second World War on Nikkei communities globally.
Okome + Daizu
June 2027
📍Karasawa Gallery, Nikkei Centre
The Okome + Daizu exhibit will explore the living heritage of Japanese food in Canada through the twin foundations of rice and soy — okome and daizu. Historical objects from the museum’s collection will be presented alongside contemporary reflections on the heritage and legacy of food in the Canadian Nikkei community.
As the year draws to a close, we would be grateful if you kept us in your thoughts. Your support means we can continue to be a vibrant place for the community to gather, reflect, learn, celebrate, and tread towards a shared future. To donate, follow the link below, or contact our office directly at 604.777.2122. Please note that to receive a charitable tax receipt for 2026, your donation must be received, or postmarked by Canada Post for mail, before December 31, 2026.