This Saturday, Feb 8, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre presents Nikkei Mubi: Japanese Canadian Home Movies from the 1930s-70s.
The screening offers a rare glimpse into the personal and public lives of Japanese Canadians from the 1930s to the 1970s on the West Coast, throughout Canada, and abroad.
But that’s only one reason to visit the museum this month. Find out more below.
Five reasons to visit the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in February:
1. Nikkei Mubi (Feb 8). During this screening, viewers are treated to a unique perspective on Canadian history through the stories of generations of the Japanese Canadian community and their resilience in a time of discrimination. The conservation and digitization of these films was made possible with support from Library Archives Canada. The Nikkei National Museum has digitized over 40 historical home movies from its collection. These fragile 16mm, 8mm and Super 8 films can now be safely placed in long-term storage, and its digitized versions will soon be available online.
2. Japanese Book Sale (Feb 15 & 16). Looking for Japanese books, manga, CDs and DVDs? This sale offers the widest selection of used Japanese books in Metro Vancouver. There will also be a small section of English books. (The centre asks that you bring your own bags.) The sale is part of the centre’s BC Family Day celebrations, which also includes games, craft workshops, and Kamishibai, Japanese theatre-style storytelling.
3. Modest Heroes (Feb 16). Along with the above, Family Day events include a (free) screening of Modest Heroes, a Japanese animated anthology film.
4. Tsunagu: Intergenerational Conversations (Feb. 15). The mass incarceration of Japanese Canadians during WWII had a huge impact on the community and on the lives of those imprisoned. In this presentation, Dr. Karen Kobayashi from the University of Victoria will discuss that impact. Three moderated intergenerational conversations will follow her presentation. After lunch (which is included in the registration fee), the centre will screen a short film before organizers divide participants into table groups for an intergenerational conversation. (Fee: $25 plus tax and fees. Includes lunch and refreshments. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration closes Feb 8. Register on Eventbrite.)
5. Mission. The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre’s mission is to honour, preserve, and share Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian history and heritage for a better Canada.
The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is located at 6688 Southaoks Crescent, Burnaby, BC (South Burnaby, corner of Kingsway and Sperling Ave). Tickets: $5 includes museum admission | $4 seniors | free for NNMCC members and students.
