Ottawa Obon 2024 report

We bring you a wonderful look at Ottawa’s first Obon ceremony, which took place on Bate Island on Saturday, August 10th, before dusk (and heavy rain) descended on the island.

It was a wonderful gathering. The park came alive with the beautiful yukata robes worn by many of this year’s attendees. The festivities began with the making of paper lanterns, which were then hung on nearby trees and around the ceremonial site to help summon the ancestral spirits to the gathering. This was followed by a hearty meal of potluck, dancing, and finally, escorting the ancestral spirits down the river to return them to their homelands.

Thank you so much to event organizers Shigemi Ichino and Mari Wellman, as well as to sound technician, David Okura who supplied expert services and technical support. The whole park was able to enjoy the sounds of our Odori dancing thanks to him!

Special community screening of the film Seagrass

The screening will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 3pm – 5:30pm at the Mayfair Theatre (1074 Bank St). Doors open at 3pm. There will be welcoming remarks at 3:15 pm with the film starting at 3:20pm. 

The OJCA has organized a special film screening of the film Seagrass (2023) written and directed by Japanese Canadian director, Meredith Hama-Brown.

Tickets cost $10 each. Ticket reservations can be made by filling out this form:
https://forms.gle/XuRmspz2Kk4GAKkq7

We ask that attendees try to show up early as we will begin promptly by 3:15 pm, and the Mayfair Theatre will open their concession stand for attendees to purchase snacks.
Thank you to the NAJC and Game Theory Films for this special opportunity!

About Seagrass:
Set in the 1990s, Seagrass is about a Japanese Canadian woman in an interracial marriage who grapples with the death of her mother. Seeking to find deeper connection in her marriage, she brings her family to a self-development retreat on a remote island. When her distressed relationship with her husband begins to affect the emotional well-being of her children, the family is forever changed.

🎉Natsu Matsuri Vendor Spotlight

AriArt✨@ariart.s2
Eliane Oba Ceramice✨@eliobaceramica
Calligarphy Ottawa✨@calligraphy_ottawa
Jambican Studio Gardens✨@jambican
Eastern Villages
Gudemushi’s Trinket Trunk✨@gudemushi
Sakao Japanese Tea✨@teasakao
Kimono Yuki✨@kimonoyukimontreal
Atelier Tsubaki✨@ateliertsubaki216
Tokusen✨ @tokusen.store
La Brasserie San-O✨@kojilabomtl
Kyoto Fleurs✨@kyotofleurs
Boutique Kodama✨@boutiquekodama_montreal
MooShu ice cream✨@mooshuicecream
TeaLive✨@tealivecanada
Datsun✨@eatdatsun
Takedon✨@takedonottawa

Kinton Ramen✨@kintonramen
Uncle Tetsu✨@uncletetsuottawa


✨️Performance Schedule✨️

Enjoy performances, local vendors, fun activities, and more! Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable experience. Celebrate our community together with us!

#natsumatsuri
OT O-WA TAIKO
The Sussex Diplomat
Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador KIZUNA International Team
Minyo-Kai
Ottawa Iaido/Jodo Club
Ottawa Jukendo/Tankendo Club
Ottawa Kyudo Association
Takahashi Dojo
TKC OTTAWA Karate
Kaylie Kreatrix
Emi no Kai
Hugo Yukata Show

📅 Date: July 6, 2024
⏰ Time: 11 am – 4 pm
📍 Location: Sandy Hill Community Centre & Annie Pootoogook Park


🌸Natsu Matsuri 2024🌸

Come join us to celebrate our Japanese community this summer at the July 6th, 2024 Natsu Matsuri 🎊🙌
There will be 

✨️Performers
✨️Local Vendors
✨️Japanese Food
✨️ Activities
✨️ Crafts

🌸Natsu Matsuri 2024🌸
📆Date: July 6th, 2024, Saturday
⏰️Time: 11 am to 4 pm
📍Location: Sandy Hill Community Centre (indoor) and Annie Pootoogook Park (outdoor)

We will be posting more details in the following weeks leading up to the event!
Stay tuned 👀✨