Photo Nikkei Matsuri
The 4th annual Nikkei Matsuri is happening in Burnaby on Labour Day weekend offering a variety of cultural performances, games, food and activities for kids.
Everyone is invited to participate in a Bon-odori dance led by Satsuki-Kai Dancing Group in the garden.
Watch the Seishun Youth Academy perform original songs in both English and Japanese and listen to the Sakura Singers, who are celebrating their 48th year of singing.
Catch a performance from street dance group Robson 800 and kids dance group Tenrikyo Joyous Stars, Hula Group Wailele Waiwai and Yumeko Dance Company.
A number of taiko drumming groups will perform and there will be koto performances on both days of the festival.
There will be a variety of martial arts demonstrations plus a performance by a special guest from Japan -- Ninja Tomonosuke, who is part of the high-level Iga ninja troupe, ASHURA.
The Matsuri Star Talent Search competition sees 20 contenders vying for a $500 grand prize in front of a panel of five judges.
Food trucks and vendors will offer a variety of treats including spiral potatoes, melon pan, Japanese-style crepes, matcha frappes, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, ramen and taiyaki.
Matsuri Marketplace showcases vendors selling everything from chocolates, stationary, toys, scarves, pouches, kimonos and jewellery. A book sale takes place on the second floor of the Nikkei Centre along with a yukata dress up station, cafe and Hello Kitty & Friends sand art workshop for kids.
Visit the Game Zone to try yo-yo balloon fishing, beanbag toss, bowling, mini-golf and more to collect points and win prizes.
The Whistler Connector will operate a free shuttle bus from Edmonds SkyTrain Station to the festival running every 30 minutes.
Activities that take place in the garden are free but a $3 admission fee will be collected for indoor activities including the Game Zone, Matsuri Marketplace, workshops, demonstrations and performances.
Children under the age of five are free and it costs $10 for a family of four.
Nikkei Matsuri takes place at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre -- 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday September 1 and Sunday September 2.
