Nikkei Cultural Society
The Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge actively promotes Japanese cultural activities.
The Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area (NCS) was established in 2000 after the folding of the former Lethbridge and District Japanese Canadian Association (LDJCA). At first, our main purpose was to facilitate a history book project entitled, Nishiki: Nikkei Tapestry: a History of Southern Alberta Japanese Canadians. However, throughout the years, the NCS has become a central organization in all activities related to Japanese and Japanese Canadian culture, arts, and history in Southern Alberta.
George Takashima: Community Leader, Teacher, Man of Faith
We want to take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Pastor George Takashima (August 8, 1934 – October 14, 2020). A Community leader, teacher, man of faith and a friend.
In the late 1990’s the Lethbridge and District Japanese Canadians Association was bogged down in a project that was 10 years in the making: a history book of Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta. The future of LDJCA did not look bright and to get the book project back on track, a feasibility committee was set up in 1998 to determine whether a new association could finish the book project. George Takashima was part of that feasibility committee and became a founding member of the new Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area. He served as president from 2001 to 2004, and also was the chair of the history book committee.
Past Projects
NCS has supported several projects related to Japanese culture, arts, and education.
Over the past 20 years, Nikkei Cultural Society has supported community members in their projects. We support unique and impactful projects. NCS has created a fun community of Minyo Dancers for adults and children. In addition, we also offer Taiko Drumming lessons on a weekly basis. These groups perform both local and around Southern Alberta and Southeastern BC and is active in Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden‘s anniversaries. NCS also has a scholarship program, including an annual scholarship to are high school graduates interested in Japanese language and/or culture.
The Nikkei Cultural Society also organizes events and is famous for the annual New Year’s Celebration. We also support local events including Bunka Hashi Conventions, Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens Winter Lights Festival, Mochitsuki, and more.
Become a Member
The Nikkei Cultural Society always welcome new individuals and families who have an interest in Japanese culture from language and arts to anime and festivals. If you would like to join our community, please feel free to ask us any questions through email or social media. One benefit in joining our team is a discount on our Japanese Language Class! Not only we will learn more about Japanese culture, but more importantly, we will have our fun together.