Over the past few years, Japan has gained massive popularity. They attract thousands of individuals of all ages who appreciate anime, traditional arts, and music. These celebrations are set annually to strengthen Japanese-Canadian relations. They showcase Japanese heritage and illustrate the public's growing interest in learning about this wonderful culture.
Japan Festival CANADA
This is North America's biggest celebration, welcoming more than 100,000 attendees. The two-day festival, which returns to Celebration Square this August 16-17, will celebrate its tenth anniversary in Mississauga.
It is a friendship celebration and aims to connect Japan with the rest of the world by opening new avenues for cooperation and exchange. This much-awaited date coincides with both countries' 2028-2029 diplomatic relations initiative, resulting in cultural and economic partnerships.
You will enjoy the spirit of this fascinating culture through live performances, demonstrations, and the most traditional sushi and trendy food. However, be aware that additional details regarding 2025's headlining performances will be announced early.
Contact Info:
- Organizer: Japan Expo Canada Inc.
- Address: 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y3. There is free parking, and public transit is accessible.
- Website: japanfestivalcanada.com
- Who can go? All ages and families.
- Prices: Free admission
Visit Japan in Canada
Powell Street Festival
This is a 2-day free public celebration honoring history and heritage with an event resembling Japan's matsuri. Besides serving as a vehicle for emerging artists to exhibit their talent, the event invites the public to engage in diverse activities, volunteer, and eat traditional meals.
At the Powell Street Festival, you can find live music performances, theater, dance, cinema, children's activities, martial arts demonstrations, craft markets, and tea ceremonies. People of all ages are welcome. Performers and activities are announced every July. Still, the event occurs in the first few days of August (usually August 3-4) around Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver.
Contact Info:
- Organizer: Powell Street Festival Society.
- Address: 111 W Hastings St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4.
- Phone: 604-739-9388
- Website: powellstreetfestival.com
- Who can go? For people of all ages.
- Prices: Admission remains free.
Would you like to discover how Japan's philosophy has influenced our lifestyle?
Festival Japan Ottawa (Natsu Matsuri)
Organized by the Ottawa Japanese Community Association and the ET Alumni Association, the Natsu Matsuri is an event that occurs usually July to September. It celebrates tradition and customs with various activities and performances. For example, you can enjoy local vendors, artistic performances, family activities, a traditional craft market, and various traditional dishes at the event to discover and immerse yourself in a new culture. It is usually held in late summer. However, the exact dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.
Contact Info:
- Organizer: OJCA and JETAA Ottawa
- Address: 2285 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, K1G 4Z5
- Phone: 613-731-7939; contact@ojca.ca.
- Website: ojca.ca
- Who can go? For people of all ages.
- Prices: Free admission
Calgary Japanese Festival "Omatsuri"
Omatsuri, which means "festival" in Japanese, is a community celebration to give thanks for new harvests, good health, harmony, and respect for ancestors, heritage, and traditions. The OMATSURI was created by the Association of the Japanese Community of Calgary, the Buddhist Temple of Calgary, the Japanese Gospel Church of Calgary, the Association of the New Japanese Community, the Kotobuki Senior Citizens' Club, and the Association of Youth.
This awaited celebration offers traditional dishes and drinks, entertainment and demonstrations of modern and contemporary dance and music, activities for children, and live martial arts demonstrations. In addition, you can discover the craft market with more than 25 vendors and enjoy the beer and sake garden for tasting. This celebration occurs in Calgary on July 18th- 19th, 2025.
Contact Info:
- Organizer: Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA).
- Address: Max Bell Centre 1001 Barlow Trail S.E. Calgary
- Phone: (403) 242-4143; cjca@calgaryjca.com
- Website: calgaryjca.com
- Who can go? People of all ages.
- Prices: Free admission
Since most events are celebrated annually and can change dates, times, or locations, it is advisable to verify their official dates to obtain the latest information.
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival in Toronto
The cherry blossom celebration is an opportunity to embrace nature and the outdoors and discover diversity and art. You can participate in numerous activities and events, such as traditional tea ceremonies, concerts, and art exhibits. Guided tours can also be organized to discover more about cherry blossoms' significance and history and get the most of this season with your friends and family.
But do you want to know something about the history of cherry trees and how Japan's traditions have influenced Canada in terms of the topic? In 1959, the citizens of Tokyo gave flowering cherry blossoms to their counterparts as a symbol of Canada-Japan friendship. Since then, spring blooming has become a celebration of historic proportions visited by thousands who see the blossoms' arrival as lovely and fascinating in Japan's flower viewery, or hanami.
High Park on Bloor Street West is perhaps the top spot to experience the cherry blossoms. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Woodbine Park, and the University of Toronto are also popular sites. The Sakura tree flowers bloom from late April to early May, provided it's good weather.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto
- Phone: 647-946-2547; info@highparknaturecentre.com
- Website: highparknaturecentre.com/cherry-blossom-watch/
- Who can go? Open to all ages.
- Prices: Free admission.
Celebrating Japan everywhere
Matsuri Japon Festival in Montréal
Vancouver Matsuri Japon Festival features traditional dishes, unique merchandise, traditional-themed music and dance performances, workshops, and activities.
This Japan Expo Montréal features taiko drum performances, traditional dance performances, and music from local groups.
Other than that, you could enjoy first-hand martial art performances of karate, iaido, jodo, and judo and participate in sake and matcha tasting class, origami practice, and manga drawing. Also, if you believe in yourself as a foodie, you can enjoy the most delicious meals and drinks as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8155 Rue Rousselot, Montréal, QC, H2E 1Z7
- Website: festivaljapon.com
- Who can go? All ages are welcome.
- Prices: Free for JCCCM members, $3 for the general public, 4$ by card or cash at the entrance.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
The JCCC is a non-profit organization that preserves Japanese Canadians' heritage. It is one of the largest Japanese centres in the world. It focuses on offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary events, martial arts, performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions. This lively and diverse community promotes harmony, friendship, and understanding.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6 Sakura Way (formerly Garamond Court) Toronto, ON M3C 1Z5
- Phone: 416-441-2345; jccc@jccc.on.ca
- Website: jccc.on.ca
- Who can go? All ages are welcome.
- Prices: Free to access.
Some of their annual events include 🗓️
New Year's Festival, where you can join various Japanese New Year's traditions, performances, and eat delicious meals.
Spring Festival is where you can discover crafts and fine arts and observe martial arts demonstrations.
Gala Sakura is the JCCC's annual gala exhibition, celebrating the achievements of the Sakura Award winner, who is recognized for his or her contributions to promoting and exchanging culture in the country and abroad.
Bazaar is the JCCC's annual fundraising event. It features a wide variety of goods for sale and delicious dishes.
The Toronto Japanese Film Festival (TJFF) showcases the most awaited films that movie critics and all people love.
Nostalgia Night recognizes the contribution of individuals and organizations to the community's welfare.
The Natsu Matsuri is an afternoon of activity and dance performance with over 100 dancers. It is special due to the cooperative effort of the community organizations.
Otakuthon: Best Anime Convention
Otakuthon is one of the biggest anime and manga conventions in North America. It also honors popular music, film, and television. It is held annually, usually on a weekend in August at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, and lasts three days.
At the exhibition hall of the best anime conventions in Canada, you can enjoy live performances such as concerts, masked or cosplay balls, board and video games, panels, workshops, or shopping. Moreover, at Otakuthon, you can connect with many anime fans and meet voice actors, manga artists, and famous cosplayers.
- Address: 1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle Montréal (Quebec) H2Z 1H5; Access: Métro Place D'Armes on the Orange Line.
- Email: registration@otakuthon.com; info@congresmtl.com
- Website: otakuthon.com/2024/home/
- Who can go? Anyone is welcome to attend as long as they are registered.
- Prices: Prices vary according to the date of purchase, and the registration fee depends on the event you plan to attend.
🌸 Have you been to any of these festivals?
Conclusion
In short, these awaited celebrations display new experiences for everyone who watches, blending tradition, art, and entertainment. Since most of them are yearly repeats and can change dates, times, or locations, it is advisable to verify the official site of each festival to obtain the latest information. This way, you can schedule your visit and make the most of what all these activities have to offer.
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