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Description
- When: Zenyasai (Matsuri Eve) — Friday, September 4, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM | Main Festival — Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby, BC
- Cost: $12 advance online (single-day) | $15 at the gate | Free for under 18, seniors 65+, NNMCC members, and Tourism Privilege Pass holders; free entry for everyone daily 6:00–7:00 PM
- Hosted by: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Now in its 14th year, Nikkei Matsuri returns to Burnaby for Labour Day weekend with an expanded celebration of Japanese culture, food, and community. The festival kicks off with Zenyasai, an outdoor dance party on Matsuri Eve, followed by two full days of taiko drumming, street food, markets, and traditional festivities including the Mikoshi procession and Bon Odori dance.
New for 2026: Expanded Community Zone
A brand-new, admission-free Community Booth Zone opens just west of the Nikkei Centre along Southoaks Crescent, featuring:
Community Booths
Showcasing the diversity of Japanese Canadian culture.
Kids' Crafts Corner
Origami, face painting, and other family-friendly activities.
Festival Highlights
Live Performances
More than 20 performances run across the weekend, including taiko drumming, traditional dance, martial arts, ninja stage combat, and contemporary J-Pop — Saturday closes with electric J-pop group Non Sweet.
Tastes of Japan
More than 20 food vendors serve authentic festival treats, from savory okonomiyaki and katsu sandwiches to Okinawan noodles, finishing with dorayaki ice-cream sandwiches or kakigori (shaved ice). Options span Yatai street food stalls, local food trucks, the Nikkei Café, the Beer & Sake Garden, and a peaceful Tea Lounge.
Culture & Traditions
Witness the Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession and join the Bon Odori dance around the central Yagura tower. Yukata (summer kimono) rentals are available on-site.
Shopping & Markets
Browse the Anime Market, hunt for finds at the Otakara Japanese Flea Market, and explore the Museum Shop and Japanese Bookstore.
Family Fun & Heritage
Classic festival games like yo-yo balloon fishing and super ball scooping, an interactive Pokémon League, and access to the museum's exhibits.
Special Guest from Japan: Shuichiro & Daichi
Shuichiro Kuboki, an acclaimed Tsugaru shamisen master, composer, and leader of the neo-traditional group Shuichiro & Daichi, headlines this year's special guest performances. With more than 30 years of experience touring globally under The Japan Foundation, Kuboki famously performed for world leaders at the 2008 G8 Toyako Summit, served as Music Director for the film Overdrive (2004), and is the author of definitive shamisen textbooks published by Yamaha Music Media.
The Main Stage is supported by Global TV, and the Garden Stage is supported by DLA Piper. Performance schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Tickets
- Advance Online: $12 + tax (Eventbrite fee included), valid for single-day admission — select Saturday or Sunday specifically
- General Admission (at the gate): $15 (includes GST)
- Free admission: Children and youth under 18, seniors over 65, NNMCC members (valid card required), and Tourism Privilege Pass holders (valid pass required)
- Free entry for everyone daily between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Tickets are valid for one day only — separate tickets are needed to attend both Saturday and Sunday. Day exchanges can be made directly through Eventbrite.
Event Guidelines
- Refunds: Available up to 7 days before the event; Eventbrite fees are non-refundable.
- Pets: Certified service animals allowed anywhere on-site; well-behaved pets welcome in the front garden but not inside the building.
- Costumes: Welcome, but costumes that fully obscure the face (such as kigurumi) are not permitted in paid areas.
- Beer & Sake Garden: 19+ only, two pieces of valid government-issued ID required.
Plan Your Visit
- Event: Nikkei Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festival
- Date: Zenyasai Sept 4 | Main Festival Sept 5–6, 2026
- Time: Zenyasai 3:00–10:00 PM | Main Festival 11:00 AM–7:00 PM daily
- Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby, BC
- Admission: $12 advance / $15 at gate; free for under 18, seniors, members, and 6–7 PM daily
- Website: nikkeimatsuri.nikkeiplace.org
From taiko drums to a special shamisen performance straight from Japan, Nikkei Matsuri's 14th year brings an expanded, three-day celebration of Japanese culture to Burnaby — with free admission windows making it easy to drop in even without a ticket.
