Japanese Canadian summer festivals are an homage to hundreds of traditional festivals that happen across Japan. It’s a fun way to learn about the culture, history, and traditions of Japan. In fact, Yamahoko the central parade of 32 floats, part of the Gion Matsuri (festival) in Kyoto is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The floats in the parade are visually stunning, decorated and some as tall as 25 metres. This festival has its roots in 869 AD when Emperor Seiwa hoped this event honouring the Gods would protect Kyoto from the plague. The festival was held during outbreaks, but in 970 AD became an annual event.  

Matsuri are also known for their food stalls (yatai) selling special seasonal and regional snacks. Be sure to try out the traditional food such as Takoyaki (octopus cooked in batter in small round shapes), Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), not to be confused with Yakisoba (fried noodle dish), Dango (mochi balls on skewers), Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Taiyaki (pastry fish shapes filled with sweet red bean paste). 

People from all backgrounds also love to participate by renting or buying cotton kimono (yakata) to wear during the festivals. They enjoy and sometimes dance to the live music. It may be a traditional Bon Odori (dance) where a circle of people are dancing around the Yagura (bandstand). The movements are simple and my tip is to follow one of the experienced dancers   

You may also see portable shrines (mikoshi) being carried by some energetic people. The shrine represents a deity and is carried by groups of people, usually chanting. There may be games such as Yoyo-tauri – fishing for water-filled balloons with a toy fishing pole.  

Summer festivals were traditionally associated with Bon (or Obon) – which is an ancient custom and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honour the spirits of one’s ancestors.  However, in present day, the Bon Odori (Bon dance) and the festivals are enjoyed by all and not focused on religion. However, some people do visit their ancestral homes, clean their families’ graves, put out offerings of food, drink, and sweets for visiting spirits. At the end of the festival, there may be the setting of fireworks and/or floating lit lanterns on lakes and waterways to help them return to their spirit world. 

While we don’t have hundreds of festivals like they do in Japan, we have great representation with festivals across the country. 

The first Japanese Canadians arrived in the 1800s, and they were mostly men. When the women arrived and families were started, more of the culture and traditions were being shared. Looking through archival photos, you’ll see some communities taking part in festivities such as Japanese Canadian picnics and city parades. Japanese girls and women dressed in kimono for some special events.  

Even in bleak times during the period of incarceration from 1942 to 1949, Japanese Canadians were resourceful and creative and found ways to carry on with some traditions, arts, and community activities. Parents were trying to shield their children from the desperate conditions and the injustice of being forcibly uprooted, incarcerated, dispossessed, and exiled. It was also part of their determination to survive, have some happiness and beauty in their lives, and to preserve their heritage.  

In the GVJCCA Honouring Our People: Breaking the Silence book, Henry Shimizu shares that he and his family were forcibly uprooted from Prince Rupert on the north west coast of BC and sent to the New Denver incarceration camp. He has a memory of his sister dancing at Obon. He said,“In 1946, the last painting that I did was of my sister, Eva, dancing the odori at Obon in August.” 

In 1977, the Japanese Canadian community reclaimed the Powell Street Grounds (now known as Oppenheimer Park) for the Powell Street Festival. It’s an annual festival and 2025 marks its 49th year. I will be helping at the NAJC booth, the GVJCCA musubi food booth, and talking about Hastings Park at the display in the Vancouver Buddhist Temple. 

If you happen to be in Surrey July 19 & 20, drop by the Japan Pavilion at the Surrey Fusion Festival. I will be talking about the history of Japanese Canadians in Surrey.  

Check out the following list of festivals taking place across Canada this summer. You’ll have fun, enjoy food, music, arts, and maybe learn about Canadian Japanese heritage. 

JULY 12 – Edmonton 
Summer Matsuri – EJCA 
 https://ejca.org/event-6223003  

JULY 12 – Ottawa 
Natsu Matsuri – Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre 
https://ottawajapaneseculturalcentre.ca 

JULY 18–19 – Calgary 
Omatsuri – Calgary Japanese Festival 
https://calgaryjca.com/events/omatsuri-calgary-japanese-festival-2025/   

JULY 19 – Lethbridge 
Obon Festival – Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden 
https://nikkayuko.com 

JULY 19–20 – Surrey 
Surrey Fusion Festival 
https://www.surreyfusionfestival.ca 

JULY 20 – Kamloops 
Raiden Taiko
https://kjca.ca/raiden-taiko-new/

AUGUST 2–3 – Vancouver 
Powell Street Festival 
https://powellstreetfestival.com 

AUGUST 9 – Hamilton 
Natsu Matsuri – Hamilton Japanese Cultural Centre
https://www.hamiltoncjcc.ca/news/4th-annual-canadian-japanese-summer-festival-saturday-august-9th-11am

AUGUST 10-16 – Winnipeg
Folklorama
https://folklorama.ca/festival/japanese-pavilion

Summer Matsuri 
https://calendar.thunderbay.ca/tourism/Detail/2023-08-19-1630-LJCA-Summer-Matsuri-Japanese-Festival  

AUGUST 21–23 – Saskatoon 
Summer Festival – Saskatoon Japanese Association 
https://saskatoonjapaneseassociation.ca/   

AUGUST 23 – Victoria 
Cultural Fair 
https://www.vncs.ca/2024-vncs-japanese-cultural-fair-saturday-august-24th/   

AUGUST 23 – Regina 
Mini Omatsuri – Regina Japanese Canadian Cultural Club 
https://www.rjcc.ca/