If you’re interested in Japanese culture, here’s your chance to explore the widest selection of used Japanese books in the region – plus enjoy family fun and food.
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre is holding its annual Japanese book sale on Friday, Feb. 1 and Saturday, Feb. 2, with a flea market also on Saturday.
The book sale will offer thousands of Japanese and English books, manga, CDs and DVDs both days. The flea market, meanwhile, will offer secondhand collectibles, household goods, kimonos and other Japanese items. Japanese food vendors will also be on site serving up foods and refreshments such as takoyaki (octopus balls), crepes, waffles, tea and burgers.
Saturday will also feature a variety of valentine-themed activities:
FILM SCREENING: The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (Japanese with Englihs subtitles)
Winner of the Best Film at the Ottawa Animation Festival, Masaaki Yuasa’s animated romantic comedy, an adaptation of Tomihiko Morimi’s bestseller, focuses on a lovestruck male university student and his hapless crush on “The Girl With the Black Hair.” It screens at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Matsu-room on the second floor. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door (limited to 30 per screening).
VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT WORKSHOP: Needle Felting
Beginners are welcome to this workshop, which offers a step-by-step process for everyone to create and take home their own needle felted animal. Tickets are $10 single, or $15 for a pair, and the workshop is at 11 a.m.
VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE MAKING WORKSHOP
This workshop is a child-friendly, two-hour class of cookie shaping, cutting and decorating, led by local baker Keiko Nakanishi, owner of the popular Japanese bakery Kanadell. Children will have fun making their own creations and, at the end, everyone will have created several marshmallow sand cookie masterpieces. Tickets are $10 single or $15 for a pair, and the workshop is at 1 p.m.
To sign up or for more information, see centre.nikkeiplace.org under Events, or call 604-777-7000.
