The Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society
proudly presents the
26th Annual Japanese Cultural Fair
Saturday, August 29, 2026
at the Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion (1070 Tillicum Road).
9:45AM TO 4:00PM
Anyone wishing to know more about the fair, how to participate, become a vendor, volunteer, etc. please email fair-leads@vncs.ca and Craig/Yukari will respond as soon as they can.
Donation QR Codes
Note: These quick QR Code Donations do not provide a tax receipt.
If you would like a tax receipt please donate through Canada Helps.
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. For more details, see the Fair Logistical Details near the end of this page below.
What to bring: Bring a picnic BLANKET, or CAMPING CHAIRS to watch the outdoor 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).
PROGRAM COMING SOON!
Outdoor Schedule (Quick List)
The Outdoor Performance Schedule is below. Full details are available further down the page in the Fair Full Schedule section.
- 9:45 – Opening Ceremony
- 10:00 – Uminari Taiko Opener
- 11:00 – Sumo Tiger Performance
- 12:00 – Furusato Dancers (Bon Odori Dance Performance)
- 1:00 – Soran Dancers (students of the VJHLSS)
- 2:00 – Ninjutsu, Jujutsu, & Koryu Karate (Genbukan Kongo Dojo)
- 3:30 – Uminari Taiko Finale
The Performance Area is located on the left side (beside the Food Tents) of the Outdoor Map (click to see a larger version).
Indoor Schedule (Quick List)
The Upper Level Presentation Schedule is below. Full details are available further down the page in the Fair Full Schedule section.
- 10:30 – Iaido (martial art of drawing and cutting with the samurai sword) – Shoshinkai Victoria Iaido
- 11:00 – A Photographic Journey inside Japanese Homestay and Culture – Rebecca Barnard
- 11:30 – Koto (plucked half-tube zither instrument) Performance – Satomi Edwards
- 12:00 – Judo ( martial art of unarmed combat) Demonstration – Victoria Judo Club
- 12:30 – Matcha – Jared Nyberg (Jagasilk)
- 1:00 – Shinto (indigenous faith of the Japanese people) in North America – Ann Evans
- 1:30 – Aikido (the way of harmonious spirit) – Victoria Aikido Centre
- 2:00 – Rina and Tohoku Minyo Band Performance – Rina El-Nahas and the Japanese Minyo Band
- 2:30 – Terri Mayhem (Details Coming!)
- 3:00 – Japanese Woodblock Print – Dr. Heng Wu (Art Gallery of Greater Victoria)
The Presentation Area is located on the Upper Floor of the Pavilion (click to see a larger version).
Outdoor Activities (Quick List)
See Outdoor Map for Activity locations. For full details on Scheduled events see the Full Fair Schedule below.
Tea Ceremony
Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association. Urasenke is one of the main schools of Japanese tea ceremony. Along with Omotesenke and Mushakōjisenke, it is one of the three lines of the Sen family descending from Sen no Rikyū, which together are known as the san-Senke or the “three Sen houses/families”. Tea Ceremonies will be held at:
- #1 – 11:00am
- #2 – 12:00pm (Note: this ceremony will be performed under the Wisteria arbor in the Takata Garden.)
- #3 – 1:00pm
- #4 – 2:00pm
Historical Japanese Garden Tours
Guided tours with Mike Abe (VNCS Heritage Committee) – location Right side of Pavilion
Will allow fair attendees to learn the history of what once was, what was lost and what has been restored. Meet at the Takata Sakura trees beside Tea Ceremony. Tours are scheduled for:
- #1 – 11:30am
- #2 – 1:30pm
Yukata Dressing
The Japanese Friendship Society (JFS) – location Right side of Pavilion
Want to dress up in popular Japanese summer wear (Yukata)? The JFS will show you how to put them on right and you can take photos (by donation). The JFS Tent will be located to the right hand side of the Pavilion.
Indoor Activities (Quick List)
Silent Auction
Where? Located on the Upper Level
The Silent Auction is one of the longest running features of our fair. Many local businesses and individuals donate Gift Certificates (e.g., Japanese Restaurants), Saké Baskets, Artwork, Dolls, and much more. All Silent Auction items come with a BUY NOW option…so if you don’t want to stick around to see if you’ve won, you can take it right away. See Patti and team upstairs to bid on your Silent Auction item(s)!
The VNCS Café & Things Japanese
Where? Located on the lower level Rooms A&B
This year will be the third for the VNCS Café. We’ll be selling Ice Cream Floats ($5) and Taiyaki Parfait ($10). Drop by the Café for an icy cold summer treat. The Cafe is located on the Ground Floor Rooms A&B (come in the Main Entrance, hang a left and it is just past the elevator).
Looking for the perfect Japanese something for your home or office? Look no further than the curious curios of the Things Japanese tables. Thank you to our many donors who make the Things Japanese tables a hit year after year!
The VNCS Information Station
Where? Located on the lower level Main Entrance
Programs, Donations, Mystery Bags, & MORE
This year we are once again offering our “Mystery Bags” for both adults and children. This concept is inspired by the Japanese tradition of “Fuku-bukuro” or “lucky bags”. Each bag is guaranteed to contain at least the value of your payment in gift certificates and/or locally sourced goodies, if not more. Children’s bags include gift certificates, toys and candy. Mystery Bags sell out every year, so be sure to get yours early!!!
Ikebana Gallery
Where? Located on the lower level Room C
The Ikebana Gallery has been a staple of our fair for a long time. Students of the Ikebana Class will have their arrangements on display throughout the Fair. There will be presentations in the Ikebana Gallery at 11:30am and 2:30pm.
Community Showcase
The Community Showcase is where we invite other community organizations, presenters, and performers to have a tent where they can interact with fair attendees. Like last year, we’ve invited some local car enthusiasts to exhibit their classic Japanese vehicles.
The line up for the Community Showcase is:
- Matsuri Foundation (Shin Mei Spiritual Centre)
- Shoshinkai Victoria Iaido
- Tsukino-Con
- Uminari Taiko
- Victoria Japanese Heritage Language School Society (VJHLSS)
- Victoria Kendo Club
- Victoria Kyudo Association
- Victoria Orange Shirt Day
- VNCS Introduction to Common Phrases in Nihongo (Japanese) – Stop by and Learn some Language!
- Waphyto North America
Classic Car Lineup for this Year’s Fair:
- 1977 Honda Civic 1200
- 1986 Toyota MR2 Mk I
- 1987 Toyota MR2 Mk I
- 1991 Nissan Skyline R32
- 1993 Toyota Camry
- 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
- 1999 Nissan Skyline BNR34 GT-R
- 2000 Honda Z Kei Car
- 2000 Nissan Skyline GT
Note: we still have room for more vehicles…if you would like to display your car/vehicle please reach out to Char at charnelle.schindel@gmail.com
VNCS Kids Crafts and Games
Bring the whole family to the Kids Crafts and Games, where children can enjoy hands-on Japanese cultural experiences through a variety of games and crafts! Play traditional festival games like yoyo-tsuri (water balloon fishing) and kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping), or try your hand at fukuwarai, a playful face-making game. Kids can get creative with activities such as decorating omen (festival masks), crafting their own kokeshi dolls, and threading pre-folded origami cranes to take home. There will also be small Japanese character-themed tattoo stickers to enjoy. All activities are by donation and designed to be fun, safe, and family-friendly. The Kids Crafts and Games will be located at the Community Showcase area – be sure to stop by!
Food Options
There will even more food options available this year in our Food Tent Area (upper left side of the Outdoor Map). We’ll be welcoming back many of our vendors from last year who have an amazing amount of culinary options.
- Good Filling Sankaku
- Hide N Seek
- Hotdog Hustlin
- Leong Family Cotton Candy
- OOTA-YA
- Whisk & Yolk
- VNCS Kakigori & Manju (Red Tent) – Kakigori (Snow Cones) ($5.00), and we’ll have our usual sweet Manju Desserts $10.00 (which has been at many a past fair), and Cold Drinks $3.00.
- VNCS Takoyaki (Black Tent) – FRESH Takoyaki (6 pieces for $10.00) which is a staple festival food from Osaka.
- VNCS Café is located inside the Pavilion lower lever Rooms A&B
Community Market
The Community Market is where we invite local Commercial Companies to have a tent where they can sell their wares. 2026 marks the second year of the Community Market so we do expect some growing pains. The line up for the Community Market is:
- COZY KOJI – Japanese Fermented Condiments, Miso, Drinks.
- Flourish BeauTea – Carbonated fruit tea.
- Frosana Treats – Chocolate dipped frozen bananas, vegan ice cream popsicles, and banana bread.
- KIYO ORIGAMI – Origami Earrings.
- Kodo Collection – Perfume oils, skin care, bath & body.
- Marina Coladas Art – Jewelry and bookmarks made with chiyogami paper.
- National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) – Japanese themed items (Hello Kitty, Pokemon), chopsticks, stickers, pins, print bags. Japanese and Anime themed candies.
- Yarn for Me – handmade crochet amigurumi/plushies.
Full Fair Schedule and Maps
| Fair Schedule COMING SOON! | | |
9:45am to 10:00am
Opening Ceremony
Where? Outside Performance Area
The fair will be opened with a land acknowledgement and short remarks from local leaders.
10:00am to 10:25am
Uminari Taiko Performance
Where? Outside Performance Area
Hear, see and feel the thunder of Japanese Taiko! Come see Uminari Taiko, Vancouver Island’s premier taiko ensemble, deliver a high energy performance that will move and shake you to the core.
10:30am to 10:55am
Shoshinkai Victoria Iaido (The Way of the Sword) Demonstration
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Iaido is the traditional Japanese martial art of drawing and cutting with the samurai sword. The purpose of Iaido is to develop awareness, centeredness, sincerity, a calm mind, and mental and physical harmony through the practice of traditional sword techniques. See Iaido practitioners in traditional outfits demonstrate form and techniques (waza) of this unique martial art.
11:00am to 11:25am
Sumo Tigers Demonstration
Where? Outside Performance Area
New to the Fair this year is Sumo Tigers. More Details to come!
Rebecca Barnard – A Photographic Journey inside Japanese Homestay and Culture
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Rebecca has been involved with Japan for many years, leading groups of students on exchange trips, regularly hosting at least 2 students per year.
She and her husband were instrumental in planning, executing and running a sister city relationship between Campbell River and Ishikari in Hokkaido.
When hosting incoming students, she had them teach lessons to outgoing students of commonly used Japanese phrases.
Having stayed in several Japanese homes, she has collected a number of photos which will show you a peek inside the culture of Japan. They will be shown in the Pavilion at 11 am.
She will then be available in the Community Showcase area for the rest of the day with an interactive lesson. Come by and learn some useful Nihongo (Japanese language)!
Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association – Tea Ceremony #1
Where? Outside to the right of the Pavilion
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.
Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony on the grass to the right of the Pavilion (just below the Japanese Garden).
11:30am to 11:55am
Satomi Edwards – Koto Performance
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument dating back to the 7th century. Professional koto player Satomi Edwards will perform traditional and contemporary pieces from Japan. These authentic sounds will take attendees at the Japanese Cultural Fair back to ancient times in Japan.
Amanda Gaunt – Ikebana Demonstration #1
Where? Lower Floor Room C
Come to admire and learn more about the beauty of Japanese flower arranging. A gallery of ikebana arrangements made by the VNCS Ikebana classes will be on display all day at the Japanese Cultural Fair. At 11:30 Amanda Gaunt and at 2:30 Susan Kurushima will create arrangements that demonstrate the principles of the basic forms as well as some freestyle arrangements.
Mike Abe – Historical Japanese Garden Tour #1
Where? Meet at the entrance to the Garden between Tea Ceremony and Yukata Dressing
Why is there a Japanese Garden in Gorge Park, and for that matter, a pavilion? Join Michael Abe for a short tour through the gardens and learn about the history of the Japanese Garden and Tea House that was a popular destination from 1907-1942.
12:00pm to 12:25pm
Furusato Dancers Bon Odori Dance Demonstration
Where? Outside Performance Area
See traditional Japanese folk dances called Odori or Bon Odori, performed by the Furusato Dancers wearing Japanese yukatas, casual summer kimonos. There will also be an opportunity for you to learn a popular bon odori dance.
Victoria Judo Club Demonstration
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Junior judoka will present basic judo techniques, followed by senior judoka demonstrating formal throwing techniques (Nage no Kata), and self-defence techniques (Goshin Jutsu). The Victoria Judo Club is a non-profit organization in continuous operation since 1957. The club’s goal is to provide high quality instruction in a safe environment for children, youth, and adults. Judo is a martial art and Olympic sport that is practiced around the world. Judo culture promotes mutual welfare and benefit (自他共栄 Ji-ta Kyou-ei). All instructors are all volunteers and bring the commitment and passion that comes from a lifelong dedication to the sport. http://www.victoriajudoclub.com/
Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association – Tea Ceremony #2
(Special Wisteria Tree Edition)
Where? Tea Ceremony will be performed under the Wisteria Abor in the Takata Garden
Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.
Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony in the Wisteria Tree arbor in the Takata Garden.
12:30pm to 12:55pm
Jared Nyberg (Jagasilk) – Matcha Presentation
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Overview Coming Soon!
1:00pm to 1:25pm
Victoria Japanese Heritage Language School Society (VJHLSS) Soran Dancers
Where? Outside Performance Area
The Soran Dancers of the VJHLSS will perform an energetic dance to music based on the Japanese traditional (minyo) song Soran Bushi.
Anne Evans (Shin Mei Spiritual Center) – Shinto in North America
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Shinto in Japan is both a spiritual and a cultural tradition familiar to many of you. It might surprise you that right here in Victoria we have an active Shinto shrine. Come learn about Shinto in Canada. Ann Evans, Guji of Shin Mei Spiritual Centre, will talk about connecting with the kamisama through Great Nature, through shrine visits, and in your daily life.
Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association – Tea Ceremony #3
Where? Outside to the right of the Pavilion
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.
Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony on the grass to the right of the Pavilion (just below the Japanese Garden).
1:30pm to 1:55pm
Victoria Aikido Centre – Aikido Demonstration
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Aikido (合気道) is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as “the way of unifying (with) life energy” or as “the way of harmonious spirit.” Ueshiba’s goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.
Mike Abe – Historical Japanese Garden Tour #2
Where? Meet at the entrance to the Garden between Tea Ceremony and Yukata Dressing
Why is there a Japanese Garden in Gorge Park, and for that matter, a pavilion? Join Michael Abe for a short tour through the gardens and learn about the history of the Japanese Garden and Tea House that was a popular destination from 1907-1942.
2:00pm to 2:25pm
Genbukan Kongo Dojo – Ninpo and Jujutsu: Ancient Paths of the Ninja and Samurai
Where? Outside Performance Area
Ninpo, the art of the Ninja, renowned shadow warriors of Japan, emphasizes self-protection and the holistic aspects of martial arts—physical, mental, and spiritual. Jujutsu embodies the zenith of samurai combat techniques. At Genbukan Kongo Dojo, we specialize in these traditional Japanese arts, encompassing both unarmed combat and weapons systems. Our teachings impart practical self-defense skills alongside discipline, fitness, and character development. Established by Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura, the Genbukan organization takes pride in providing authentic Japanese schools worldwide.
https://kongodojo.ca/
Rina El-Nahas and the Tohoku Minyo Band
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Rina and the Tohoku Minyo Band are a traditional Japanese music band that plays Tohoku Minyo music from the Northern area of Japan. Rina El-Nahas has been performing and playing this style of music since the age of five and has won numerous awards from traditional competitions in Japan. Rina will be accompanied by Danny and Don on the shamisen and Eric and Naomi with taiko as well as backup vocals.
Chado Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association – Tea Ceremony #4
Where? Outside to the right of the Pavilion
The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.
Join the good folks from Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association performing Tea Ceremony on the grass to the right of the Pavilion (just below the Japanese Garden).
2:30pm to 2:55pm
Susan Kurushima – Ikebana Demonstration #2
Where? Lower Floor Room C
Come to admire and learn more about the beauty of Japanese flower arranging. A gallery of ikebana arrangements made by the VNCS Ikebana classes will be on display all day at the Japanese Cultural Fair. At 11:30 Amanda Gaunt and at 2:30 Susan Kurushima will create arrangements that demonstrate the principles of the basic forms as well as some freestyle arrangements.
Terri Mayhem
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Overview Coming Soon!
3:00pm to 3:25pm
Dr. Heng Wu (Art Gallery of Greater Victoria) – Japanese Woodblock Print
Where? Upper Floor Presentation Area
Overview Coming Soon!
3:30pm to 4:00pm
Uminari Taiko Performance – Fair Finale
Where? Outside Performance Area
Hear, see and feel the thunder of Japanese Taiko! Come see Uminari Taiko, Vancouver Island’s premier taiko ensemble, deliver a high energy performance that will move and shake you to the core.
Fair Logistical Details
First Aid
St. John Ambulance will be onsite again this year (located on the field) to provide any and all first aid coverage if needed. They will be located within the Pavilion but if you should require any kind of first aid please let one our staff (wearing Happi Coats & carrying walkie talkies) know and they will get St.John Ambulance staff to your location right away.
Getting to the Fair
Note: Tillicum is now down to 1 lane in each direction with bike lanes and calming measures, AND the parking lot is filled moments after the fair opens. So fair goers are GREATLY encouraged to look at alternative transportation options.
Cycling
We are super happy to announce we’ll have The Locker Bike Valet service from Capital Bike at this year’s fair. We’ll have space for 100+ bikes so leave the car at home and cycle to the fair!
What is The Locker?
The Locker is a safe, secure, and free parking service for bicycles, scooters, one-wheels, hoverboards, or whatever micromobility vehicle you use!
How Does it Work?
When you arrive, Locker friendly staff will take your bike and give you an identification tag. They will then watch over your bike during the event, and when you return, they’ll exchange your tag for your bike/transpo! Easy-Peasy!
Taking the bus?
The following bus routes access the Esquimalt Gorge Park:
- On Gorge Road West: Route 8: Interurban / Tillicum Centre / Oak Bay, Route 9: Royal Oak / UVic, Route 11: Tillicum Centre / UVic – get off at the Gorge and Tillicum stop (in front of Fairways/Chevron Gas Station) cross the street onto Tillicum, walk across the bridge and on to the fair.
- On Tillicum Road: Route 26: Dockyard / UVic (https://www.bctransit.com/) – get off at the Gorge Bridge (Stop ID: 100539/Stop ID: 100532).
- On Craigflower Road: Route 14: Vic General / UVic (https://www.bctransit.com/) – get off at Forshaw (Stop ID: 100644/Stop ID: 100634) and walk down Sioux Place, cross the bridge and walk through the park to the Pavilion.
Driving?
We have a fully staffed Parking Support team (wearing safety vests and carrying walkie talkies) that will meet you at the front gate. Please let them know if you are attending, performing, presenting, volunteering etc. They will then direct you to an appropriate spot (e.g., EV Charging, Accessible etc.). If you do plan to drive, please respect and obey our staff to ensure a safe fair for all. Parking is limited at the Gorge Park Pavilion so cycling, walking, and transit are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED! When the parking lot is full there are a couple of alternate locations (see image below) available (but could also be full).
Ways to Pay at the Fair
Note: All VNCS sales/donation locations will take Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac (debit cards), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
We wish to thank all of our many sponsors, both corporate and individuals, who have supported this year’s fair monetarily and with in kind with like gift certificates, items for the Silent Auction, Things Japanese, and our Mystery Bags. We just could not do the fair without you!!!
