It’s time to get excited for the 4th Japan Festival organized by the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS)!
After a two year hiatus due to COVID-19, they’re back this Saturday, July 22nd with a lineup of Japanese performances, traditional cuisine, and a huge raffle.
The festival will be taking over the courtyard at the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre in front of the FUDO restaurant from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — an hour longer than previous years to ensure you’re getting the most out of the experience.
In an interview with VNCS president, Tsugio Kurushima, he highlighted the importance of this event for community engagement, education, and traditions.
“It’s got two purposes, one is to celebrate and share our Japanese cultural heritage, and it’s also a fundraiser for our society,” Kurushima told Victoria Buzz.
He listed a few of the events he’s excited about, including Uminari Taiko drummers, Japanese Folk Dancing, a karate group giving a demonstration, a Minyo band — a very traditional form of Japanese singing where a 3-stringed instrument called a shamisen is played, and more!
This event is done in collaboration with the FUDO Japanese restaurant, and they prepare all of the delicious food and sell it at a reduced rate.
“Spicy scallop sushi, Kabocha korokke, and Wakame (seaweed) salad…and soft drinks,” said Kurushima.
“New this year, we’re going to have a snow cone machine to make shaved ice — in Japan they call it Kakigori, which is shaved ice with different flavours of syrup.”
All ready for your waiting bellies!
The available raffle has 15 participating stores from the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre and will feature all sorts of goodies.
Each raffle ticket will be $2 per ticket.
“New this year will be the ‘Things Japan’ table with Japanese knick-knacks…paraphernalia from Japan…that have been donated.”
All proceeds from food, Japanese collectibles, and raffle money will go towards the programs offered through VNCS so they can continue to host cultural programs such as language lessons, the folk dancing group, and a grant program.
There is no cost to attend — just show up and enjoy the wonderful event!
Victoria Japan Fest 2023
- Where: Broadmead Village Shopping Centre, courtyard outside of FUDO
- When: Saturday, July 22nd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
