Nikkei Matsuri 2025 – Burnaby’s Celebration of Japanese Arts, Culture & Heritage

Event Overview

Nikkei Matsuri, one of Canada’s largest Japanese festivals, returns this summer for an unforgettable two-day celebrationof Japanese culture, food, music, and traditions. Taking place on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, the festival coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby.

This family-friendly event offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese cultural experiences, enjoy delicious festival foods, watch captivating performances, and join hands-on activities for all ages.

Event Details

• Dates: Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31, 2025

• Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Free admission for all between 6:00 – 7:00 PM)

• Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
  6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7

• Admission:

  • $12 (Advance online)

  • $15 (At the door)

  • Free for NNMCC Members, Youth (under 18), and Seniors (65+)

🎟 Tickets are valid for one day. Choose your date when purchasing.

Festival Highlights

Live Performances

• Taiko drumming

• Samurai show

• Japanese dance

• Idol unit showcase

• Martial arts demonstrations

• Special guest from Japan: WA Studio KIWA with a stunning upcycled kimono art dress performance

Food & Drinks

• Japanese Yatai street food stalls

• Food trucks serving authentic festival favourites

• Nikkei Café specialties

• Beer & Sake Garden (19+ with ID)

Cultural Activities

• Auxiliary Flea Market: Dishware, kimonos, artwork, and more

• J-Pop Culture Market: Local artists and vendors

• Kids’ Arts & Crafts: Face painting, origami, calligraphy, henna

• Outdoor Kids’ Games: Balloon darts, bean bag toss, bowling, yo-yo fishing

• Pokémon League Room: Play & trade opportunities

• Bon Odori Folk Dance around the Yagura Tower (3:00 PM both days)

• Yukata rental & kitsuke (dress assistance)

• Mikoshi Rakuichi: Volunteer to carry the portable shrine during the opening ceremony

Exhibits & Archives

• Explore Japanese Canadian history in the Charles H. Kadota Resource Centre

• Learn about Burnaby’s 60-year friendship with Kushiro, Japan

• Visit the Karasawa Gallery art exhibit – “Umami: Savouring Artistic Nikkei Identity”

Seniors & Community

• Seniors Lounge with live-streamed performances

• Community booths and information centres

Special Notes

• Strollers allowed only in outdoor garden area

• Service animals welcome; pets allowed in the garden only

• Costumes covering the face (e.g., kigurumi) not permitted in paid areas

Why Attend

Nikkei Matsuri is more than a festival — it’s a community celebration that honours and preserves Japanese Canadian heritage while showcasing the richness of Japanese culture in British Columbia. Proceeds support the museum and cultural programming at NNMCC.

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