Adult Japanese Language & Culture Program 2024

Adult Japanese Language & Culture Program 2024

Co-offered By Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS) & Japanese Friendship Society (JFS)

Explore Japanese Language and Culture with Our Updated Program!

We are excited to announce the second year of our collaborative Japanese language and culture program, co-hosted by VNCS and JFS. This year, we’ve enhanced the curriculum based on valuable feedback from our past participants to better suit individual learning needs.

Our program is perfect for adults eager to start their journey into the Japanese language and culture. Over nine 1.5-hour sessions, you’ll learn essential Japanese expressions, basic grammar, and gain an introduction to the Japanese writing systems. In addition to language lessons, you’ll enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, including Shodō (calligraphy) and Chadō (the way of tea).  Whether you’re new to Japanese or looking to refresh your skills, this program provides a solid foundation. Plus, you’ll gain insights into the essence of traditional Japanese culture through interactive activities.  Join us and take the first step towards immersing yourself in the rich world of Japan!

 

Day & Time:  Sundays from 2:00pm-3:30pm starting on September 8, 2024.  (Sep. 8, 15, 22, Oct. 6, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 17, 24)   There will be no lesson on Sep. 29, Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 due to statutory holiday weekends.

Location:  Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion

# and duration of Lessons:  9 lessons (90 min x9)

Max. # of participants:  18

Fees $115/person (+ $25 for materials) = Total $140

Note:  VNCS or JFS members can receive a $20 discount from the respective organization by presenting a proof of registration.

Textbook:  Teacher made handouts will be distributed in lieu of textbook.

Instructor:  Mieko Fedrau  mieko.fedrau@gmail.com

Registration: Opens on Wednesday, August 7.  Access GPP Programs & Registration or call GPP front desk at 250-412-8500.

Thank You 2024 Japanese Cultural Fair Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers, Performers, and Presenters!

A big thank you to all the Sponsors/Donors, Volunteers, Performers, and Presenters that made this year’s Japanese Cultural Fair a big success! We just could not do it without YOU! お疲れ様でした!And to all you who made it out to the festival we hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it on (even with the rain at the beginning)!

2024 Volunteers, Performers, and Presenters
2024 Japanese Cultural Fair (afternoon) Volunteers, Performers, Presenters, and More!
(Photo by Adrian Simeoni with our thanks!)

 


Special SHOUT OUT to Deb Shepherd and the Green Team Volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure all recyclable/organic materials were separated in order to divert unnecessary items from the landfill. THANK YOU!

 

 


 

 

An event like the VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair is only possible when many people work together. Here the VNCS would like to express a big thank you to our Volunteers, Sponsors and Donors. ARIGATOU!

We encourage all those who attended the fair to frequent our sponsors below.

 

Proudly Sponsored By:

    

 
 

PLATINUM Level Sponsors


Bell Media (CFAX 1070 & CTV Vancouver Island)
Black Press Media (Monday Magazine & Victoria News)
Fujiya Japanese Foods
Matsuri Foundation (Shin Mei Spiritual Centre)
Township of Esquimalt


GOLD Level Sponsors


Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown
Jim Pattison Auto Group
Ken Mizokoshi
The Woods Family
Sushi Rice Studios
Sushi Story
Yonni’s Doughnuts


SILVER Level Sponsors


Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Assante Wealth Management (Curtis Cross)
Aura Restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point
Ayako Ikeda
Bento Sushi
Blenkinsop Driving Range
Bosley’s Harris Green
Carlton Plaza Hotel, Best Western
Cineplex Odeon Westshore Cinemas
Elements Casino Victoria
Ene Raw Food and Sake Bar
Fairway Market
Finest at Sea
Ghost Ramen
Goldstream Bicycles
Koto Sushi Izakaya
La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Decor
Maiiz Nixtamal
Mark Compton
Moden Boutique
Momo Sushi Colwood 
Nicholas Randall
Ono Poke
OOTA-YA
Pacific Awning
Pendray Tea House
Pho Boi
Ramen Arashi
Rebecca Barnard
Ruffell & Brown
Sawyer Sewing Centre
Sen Zushi Japanese Restaurant
Victoria Bug Zoo


BRONZE Level Sponsors

Alexander’s Coffee Bar
Ardmore Golf Course
Buckerfields
Butchart Gardens
Butterfly Gardens
Cameron Barnard 
Cozy Koji
Dumpling Drop
Ecotopia Naturals
Goodside Pastry House
Hey Happy Coffee
Hide + Seek Coffee (Fairfield)
Ivy’s Bookshop
JagaSilk
KODO collection
KOME KOME (Rice Crackers)
Kuma Noodle
Milestone’s Grill & Bar
Munro’s books
Murchie’s Tea and Coffee
My Thai Cafe
Oak Bay Flower Shop
Oso Cookies & Donuts
Pacific Shiatsu
Politano Café
Ron Barnard 
Russell Nursery
Seal Point Pizza
Side Street Studio
Starbucks (Royal Bay)
Sushi Time Express
Taste of Tokyo
The Papery
Tony’s Hair Design and Tanning Day Spa
Uchida Shokudo
Umi Nami Farms
Vessel Liquor
Wholesome Suds Natural Handmade Soap
Yoshi Sushi

 


With much thanks from the Japanese Cultural Fair Planning Team:

Amy Kawano (Food Coordinator)
Bob Howell (Parking Coordinator)
Craig Mercer (Fair Co-Lead & Lead Fair Operations)
David Lawson (Finance Coordinator)
Debbie Ibaraki (Contracts & Insurance)
Donovan Aikman (Outdoor Coordinator)
Hatsuho Razban (Kids Activities Coordinator)
Jo Brooks (Donor Solicitation & Indoor Coordinator)
JO Caragata (Donor Solicitation & Fair Ambassador)
Kana Mercer (Food Coordinator)
Lily Yee (Donor Solicitation & Food Sales)
Lorin Goshinmon (Poster, Audio/Visual Coordinator)
Maureen Bird (Volunteer Supports)
Patti Kagawa (Donor Solicitation & Silent Auction Coordinator)
Rebecca Barnard (Donor Solicitation & Fair Operations Support)
Reyna Goshinmon (Donor Solicitation & Things Japanese Coordinator)
Tsugio Kurushima (Donor Solicitation & Performance and Presentation Coordinator)
Val Watanabe (Kids Activities Coordinator)
Yukari Peerless (Fair Co-Lead & Donor Solicitation, Promotions, Mystery Bags)
Yumiko Mizuno (Volunteer Coordinator)

2024 VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair – Saturday, August 24th

2024 VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair Poster

The Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society

proudly presents the

24th Japanese Cultural Fair

Saturday, August 24th, 2024
at the Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion (1070 Tillicum Road).
9:45AM TO 4:00PM

FREE ADMISSION
Family Friendly!

Note: Parking is EXTREMELY LIMITED at the Park so please come via alternate modes of transportation: bicycle (we have the Bike Locker), Bus, Uber, Taxi…etc.
 
 

Click here to DOWNLOAD the full PROGRAM

What to bring: Bring a picnic blanket, or camping chairs to watch the performances, bring sun screen if the sun comes out, bring an umbrella if we get “liquid sunshine” (we do live in a temperate rain forest afterall), bring your water bottle (there is a refilling station inside the Pavilion by Room C).

Continue reading 2024 VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair – Saturday, August 24th

2024 Obon Grave Washing Ostukare!

2024 Obon Grave Washing Volunteers
The small buy mighty volunteers of the 2024 Grave Washing crew.

Thank you so much to all of the wonderful volunteers who were able to come and make this year’s Obon grave washing another success. It was hot but the occasional cool breeze encouraged us to keep going. We had a great group of 10 volunteers clean all of the graves of early the Japanese pioneers and Japanese-Canadians buried in Ross Bay Cemetery. We had just enough flowers to ensure every grave got one. Special thanks to Gene Furbee for playing the Shakuhachi while we worked. Arigatou gozaimashita!

Cultural Fair – Volunteers Needed

logoThe Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society is thrilled to be hosting the 24th Japanese Cultural Fair this summerIt will take place on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion (1070 Tillicum Road) from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. It is a a FREE, family oriented event to showcase and promote local Japanese-Canadian cultural groups in Victoria and the surrounding areas. There will be Japanese cultural performances such as taiko, bon odori, martial arts and minyo music and delicious Japanese food such as Takoyaki, Kakigori, and more. This is also a fundraiser for the VNCS, through the sale of Japanese food, Things Japanese, and Silent Auction.

We cannot run an event like this without the tremendous support of our volunteers! If you’re interested in being a part of the Japanese-Canadian community, making new friends, or working with your friends, this is a great opportunity for you!

Sounds interesting? Submit the volunteer intake form from here
Continue reading Cultural Fair – Volunteers Needed

Japan Fest – Volunteers Needed

The Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society and FUDO Japanese Restaurant will be holding Japan Fest 2024, a festival celebrating Japanese culture.  It will take place on Saturday, July 20 at the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the courtyard outside FUDO.  There will be Japanese cultural performances such as taiko, bon odori, martial arts and minyo music.  This is also a fundraiser for the VNCS, through the sale of Japanese food, Things Japanese and a raffle.
Continue reading Japan Fest – Volunteers Needed

Royal BC Museum – Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration

Royal BC Museum – Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration

Saturday, May 25, 2024 11:00 AM – And 1:00 PM

Royal BC Museum – Clifford Carl Hall
675 Belleville St
Victoria, BC V8W 9W2
https://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/calendar/event/japanese-tea-ceremony-demonstration

May is Asian Heritage month. Join members of the Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association as they demonstrate chado (Japanese Tea Ceremony). Urasenke has long been active in promoting worldwide understanding and appreciation of chado. The four principles of chado are Wa (Harmony), Kei (Respect), Sei (Purity), and Jaku (tranquility). Chado, also known as chanoyu and commonly referred to as the Japanese Tea Ceremony in English, is a spiritual and aesthetic discipline for refinement of the self — known in Japanese as a ‘way’. The word ‘chado’ means “the way of tea”. Visitors are invited to observe the tea ceremony taking place on the main floor of the museum in Clifford Carl Hall.

Nori Tori 2024 coming Feb 25th

Nori Tori 2024

2023 Nori Tori Crew

If you are interested in harvesting nori from the beaches of Gabriola Island, mark your calendar for Sunday, February 25.

Nori is nourishing and grows naturally all around the Pacific Northwest, but the challenge is finding a beach with access to clean, cold, fast moving water and a convenient low tide. Foraging your own nori is a great way to explore Japanese cuisine, preserve tradition, and learn more about how we can be good stewards of this precious natural resource. It’s been a mild winter and with any luck the warmer weather will continue for another pleasant day on the beach for Nori Tori 2024!

Contact Bradley Kurushima (bkk@uvic.ca) for more information.