The Nikkei Craft returns to the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, bringing families to find unique holiday gifts that originates from the Japanese Canadian heritage, while also supporting local makers who handcrafted each piece one by one. This event brings culture from opposite sides of the world together, learning and experiencing at the same time.

It starts from the makers themselves, over 80 local markers are gathered in the museum, showing their work to the attendees from Japanese-inspired clothing and accessories hang alongside handcrafted jewelry, to candles and soaps, paintings drawings and prints that illustrates the mix in culture for Japanese and Canadian heritages. Also, there’s also food that brings the taste of Japan through delicious pastries and traditional Japanese bento boxes.

What brings this fair spark is the blend of culture and creativity, where it is a celebration of Japanese Canadian heritage through the work of the makers. Different textiles with patterns that shows tradition and different wood items and stone products crafted through generations. Bring both the past and present into the items and the true meaning behind of the fair.

The Nikkei Craft Fair delivers cultural workshops that to learn how to write the traditional letters of the Japanese alphabet, learning to play the traditional game of IGO and Shogi. There was also a kid’s corner for kids to colour Christmas cards, worksheet arts and crafts. Letting people of all ages to experience the fair in its full glory. The fair connects the guests to the broader Japanese Canadian community, it’s not just about buying, it’s about experiencing, learning and connecting.

The fair has become a beloved annual tradition, it is an irreplaceable connection where guests and hosts greet each other, standing in front of booths, asking questions, holding art pieces and work firsthand. The Nikkei Craft Fair is where local artists meets Japanese inspiration, where tradition meets innovation, community gathers to celebrate the people who make things with their hands creatively. Even though the fair is over now, between the art pieces and pastries, there’s a sense of curiosity that is waiting for you to come attend for next year.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca