About

The place to experience vibrant programs and exhibits about Japanese Canadian history, arts and culture.
Nikkei Centre officially opened on September 22, 2000 in a beautiful multi-use facility in Burnaby, BC, conceptually designed by renowned Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is an incorporated non-profit and charitable society which is community-based and primarily volunteer-run. Generally known as the Nikkei Centre, and as the Nikkei National Museum for museum programs.

Our mission is to honour, preserve, and share Japanese Canadian history and culture for a better Canada.

Nikkei National Museum produces several exhibits each year (balancing historical content with traditional and contemporary art) and collects, preserves and makes accessible archives, art and artifacts related to Japanese Canadian heritage. Currently the collection includes more than 3000 photographs, 350 oral history recordings, over 25 metres of archival and textual materials, and 1000 artifacts. The collections are accessed by scholars and community researchers on a regular basis. Each year, over 1000 students participate in our educational programs.

In addition to public programs and exhibits, Nikkei Centre provides community services, weekly cultural programs, produces several publications, and makes our facilities available for public use and special events. We are a well-known “boutique”-style rental facility for weddings, parties and corporate meetings. Nikkei Centre serves all Japanese Canadians across the country, and is an important resource for other communities to learn about the Japanese Canadian experience.