Mochitsuki2024

Pre-Order and Pick Up Mochi at the OJCC Before Mochitsuki

Not able to attend Mochitsuki but still want to have some delicious mochi for the holidays? No worries – we got you!️  Fresh Rolled Mochi & Frozen Kiri Mochi will both be available for purchase and pickup before the Mochitsuki event.  Order and Pick up your Mochi at the Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre (B16-2285 St. Laurent Blvd) 

Place your order and pay via Credit Card using this Mochi Order Form 

Mochi Pick-up Available on the following days:

  Saturday, November 30th and Saturday, December 7th 

Available for order: 

Large Fresh-rolled Mochi Plate – $10.00 per plate *Includes anko/kinako on the side.

Large Kiri Mochi (frozen) Plate – $10.00 per plate *Includes anko/kinako on the side.

Consider pre-ordering your admission tickets and food items ahead of time:

 Mochitsuki 2024 Pre-Order FORM

Ottawa Obon

Saturday, August 10, 2024, 5:00 pm
Bate Island, off the Champlain Bridge

August is the height of summer in Japan. It is also the month of Obon and it is the most widely observed of Japanese festivals in the summer.
Obon is a three-day celebration of ancestors’ spirits that come home to rest. Lanterns are lit to light the way back home. People visit shrines, temples, and family graves during Obon. 
There is a lighter side during the Obon period, and it is the bon odori, an Obon dance party!
Makeshift platforms are built at shrines, temples, parks and other public places and people dance to traditional Japanese music, to the rhythm of taiko drums.
Traditional foods are sold, and can include foods that may be familiar in Canada, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, ramune (sparkling soda), shaved ice.

At the end of the Obon festival, it is time to say our goodbyes to all ancestors’ spirits by guiding them with lit lanterns to the bank of a riverside, or any waterway, to help float back to their world. The ritual varies slightly between different regions of Japan, and in Ottawa, an Ottawa-made version will be celebrated. The OJCA-CC invites everyone, circle the date and plan to celebrate Ottawa’s Obon. 

‘Make & Take’ Japanese Lantern Workshop

photos : OJCC craft

Let’s celebrate Asian Heritage Month in May at the OJCC!
‘Make & Take’ Japanese Lantern Workshop

Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 1 – 4 pm At Ottawa Japanese Cultural CentreClass fee: Members $15, non-members $25

Class size:  limited to 15 people

Attached are photos of a sample of the lantern we will be making.  All supplies will be provided; however, if you have a ruler, scissors and craft utility knife, please bring them with you.
RSVP to craftsojcc@gmail.com  to reserve your spot, as class size is limited, and please wait for confirmation before sending your class fee.

Hope you can join me for this new workshop!

OHANAMI 2024

This past Wednesday, May 1st, Minyo-kai, in coordination with the Ottawa Arboretum and Experimental Farm organization Friends of the Farm celebrated the 2nd annual O-Hanami Flower blossom appreciation event at the Ottawa Arboretum!  

From left, Mari, Shigemi( purple kimono),Matt (yellow kimono)
Friends of the Farm member Elizabeth Atkinson. 

Though it started as a rainy day, the weather turned beautifully warm and sunny to once again to shine on our event.  Organized by Mari Wellman and Shigemi Ichino, O-Hanami opened with a land acknowledgment and words of welcome and education by Arboretum scientist Owen Clarkin and Friends of the Farm member Elizabeth Atkinson. 

Arboretum scientist Owen Clarkin and Matt

Those gathered then danced wonderful odori led by Ichino sensei, and once we worked up a healthy appetite, we sat down to a picnic supper under the magnolia blossoms!  The arboretum’s cherry trees are not yet robust enough to fully appreciate.  Thank you to all in attendance, it was a beautiful late afternoon gathering! 

Clip videos of three songs ©Rie Drolet

Ambassador’s Award Presented to June Takahashi

Photo by Embassy of Japan in Canada

On Tuesday, April 30th, 2024,

Surrounded by a great crowd of family and friends from Ottawa’s Japanese and Judo communities

 June Takahashi was conferred with a Certificate of Commendation by 

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Kanji Yamanouchi for her lifelong achievements in Judo 

and for her commitment to the Japanese Canadian community.

June’s character and achievements were extolled in moving speeches by the ambassador, NAJC redress representative Anne Sunahara, June’s granddaughter Mariko Takahashi, son and Takahashi Dojo Manager Allyn Takahashi, and a beautiful toast from former OJCA President Sachiko Okuda

The certificate reads: The ambassador of Japan extends his deepest regards to Ms. June Takahashi in recognition of her distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Canada. 

Congratulations June! 

Photo by Embassy of Japan in Canada