MANITOBA JAPANESE CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE, INC. (MJCCC)

History, Background & Operation

As a non-profit, charitable corporation dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture, heritage, and history, the Manitoba Japanese Cultural Centre (MJCCC) has successfully provided programmes and services for the Japanese Canadian community and the general public since it opened its doors at its first building at 936 Logan Avenue in May of 1987.   In April 1993, the Centre changed locations to the present large building at 180 McPhillips Street, and has undergone several expansions and renovations.  With a strong membership comprising of both Japanese Canadian and non-Japanese Canadian, the Centre has become an important asset to the province of Manitoba.

The objectives of the MJCCC are to organize activities, programmes, and services for seniors in both the English and Japanese language and to organize activities, programmes, and services in order to educate the general community about Japanese and Japanese-Canadian art, music, culture, heritage, food and history in both the English and Japanese languages.

For many years, the MJCCC has also run a successful school programme for elementary school students in the Winnipeg and rural Manitoba school system.  Students who are studying Japan as part of their school year are able to augment their curriculum through a half-day session of various activities, such as origami (paper folding), shodo (calligraphy) and ondo (folk dance), all taught by volunteers.

We also operate a highly successful Japanese Language program offering Japanese language instruction (both oral and written) for ages kindergarten through adult. Our high school age courses are accredited by Manitoba Education, with those students successfully completing the course receiving full academic credit in their school year.

Membership in the MJCCC is open to anyone at a nominal fee of $15.00 per year for adults, and $25 for families.  The MJCCC also provides regular facility use to eight organizations that are affiliated with the Japanese Canadian community.  Some of the weekly activities presently offered at the Centre include odori (dance), taiko (drumming), kendo (fencing), ikebana (flower arranging), chigiri-e (paper art), karaoke (singing), karate (martial arts) and seniors’ activities.  The Centre also has an extensive library which is the only one in Western Canada that focuses exclusively on Japan and the Japanese Canadian experience.  The MJCCC is open to its members seven days a week and is run by dedicated volunteers from the community.  The MJCCC has become an informal drop-in centre for many members and they often come in to socialize with friends.

Significant Events in the history of the MJCCC

• March 1987 MJCCC constitution drawn up to establish an organization separate from the MJCCA that would be eligible for charitable status
• May 1, 1987 the building at 936 Logan became the MJCCC
• Sept 14 1987 questionnaire sent out door to door fundraising campaign organized
• November 15 1987 a community workshop held to receive input and determine goals
• Sept 24 1989 official dedication ceremony unveils plaque of donor names
• Sept 27 1990 MJCCC and MJCCA held joint workshop to determine new roles and responsibilities
• August 1992 official ceremony to transfer lending library contents from consulate to cultural centre
• 0ctober 9, 1991 MJCCC committee explores alternatives to accommodate expanding needs
• October 18, 1992 community meeting held to determine feasibility of purchasing a larger building
• November 5, 1992 committee negotiated purchase of building on McPhillips Street.
• Programs and activities were expanded and are maintained on an annual basis at the Centre. These include (biut are not limited to):
  • Cuisine Nights – A fundraiser that highlights Japanese food and culture
  • Donburi Lunches –frequent fundraiser built around Japanese food.
  • Things Japanese Sale – a highly publicized general event centered on Japanese specialty items in  an agora setting.
  • Annual Gala Dinners instituted in Fall 2002 to honour volunteers and commemorate contributions to the Centre.
  • Ongoing Japan Relief Fundraising (Earthquake/Tsunami disaster March 2011)
  • Movie Night – featuring Japanese language films
  • Keirokai – honouring our seniors and their legacy
  • New Year Open House – Our version of Oshogatsu to commemorate the past and celebrate the future.
  • Odori – traditional Japanese dance for adults and children.
  • Japanese Language Classes - growing in popularity yearly, there are classes tailored to those from Kindergarten to Adult. Successful High School students achieve a Manitoba Education approved credit.
  • Judo – for children 8-16
  • Chanoyu – teaching and observance of the traditional tea ceremony.

Getting in Touch

If you have any questions concerning programming or membership, contact us at: m.jccc@shaw.ca

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