Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

Visited the JCCC for the first time today at the closing reception/​screening of the Toronto Japanese Film Festival. Kudos to everyone involved who made this event a rousing success! Kobayashi Hall was fashioned into a cinema, albeit with very uncomfortable chairs, and we were treated to the North American première of The Snow White Murder Case. Director Nakamura-​san was on hand for a brief Q and A (which was managed beautifully and kept to a decent length).
I have to say, the JCCC did a spectacular job with the closing reception, catering sushi from Edo and delish tempura from Gushi. To our surprise they had an open bar to top it off! Asahi and wine was the main choice of the crowd. Bf liked those, but I had my eye on the Choya plums (which had been soaking in the plum wine previously). Mmm, mmm, MMM!
Festival aside, the centre is modern and clean, the grounds are lovely. I will definitely visit again for other events, and maybe go next door to Hashimoto for lunch (my stomach full and pockets lighter). I’m excited to keep apprised of future events on offer at the JCCC!

I just luv this place and it saddens me that I haven’t ventured here in eons. My first foray to this cultural gem was when I wanted to learn Kendo and this was the only spot I could find within driving distance. Alas things didn’t pan out though.
This is a place to visit if you are interested in learning about the land of the rising sun.
Now this place houses the revered Kaiseki Hashimoto (previously only in Mississauga) a Jewlery/​Houseware store, café etc.
Lots of event space and an art gallery, Ike Bana classes, Martial Arts training, Film Festivals are some of the activities that are regularly held here.
The annual Sakura Ball, Bazaar (1^st Saturday of May) are some of the events to look for as they are unique.
Parking is plentiful on normal days and it is somewhat close to a major intersection.
Highly recommended.

If you are interested in Japanese culture, this is the place to go: martial arts classes, music, dance and language classes are offered under one roof. An elegant, simple building with many different rooms and activity areas. Regular festivals, movies and other events are regularly hosted by the JCCC. You can even buy Japanese snacks, soft drinks and books there.

One of my favourite places to go. I try and make it to every season festival with my family, it’s practically a tradition with us to arrive on a rainy day for the Haru Masturi.
The food is always delicious even though they never organize the area very well and there are never enough tables & chairs. The gift shop is overpriced but since we go for the festivals there are always much more inexpensive jewelery vendors anyway: D
I wish more people knew about the JCCC and that they recieved more publicity because it is truely a worthwhile place to visit. They offer so many interesting classes and workshops. Japanese cooking, taiko drumming, ink painting, language classes, not to mention a HUGE variety of different martial arts classes.

Lovely facility that hosts the annual Spring Festival. It’s a modern space inside that is kept up meticulously. Kobayashi hall inside is fairly large with a stage. It was two Judo/​Martial arts rooms. A very tiny library and a bunch of meeting spaces.
I felt the zen.

Visiting Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre give me a feel of how successful Canadian Multiculturalism works…
Packed Sunday early afternoon with students learning various Martial Arts like Aikido, Iaido, Judo and Kendo. And surprising there are a mix in age group (kids to seniors) and ethnicity! This is a proof of how successful for JCCC to not only sustain the culture and promote it to the rest of the population.
I too feel like learning some Judo and so I can throw and tackle my friend without getting in trouble. :P
The decoration and set up of the Centre itself is quite Zen… though there are martial art classes going on in left wing of the centre, on the right wing you will experience quiet and tranquillity. There are usually some sort of temporary Japanese theme art exhibition going on or if not there are some permanent exhibit of Japanese culture. A seating area that overlooking a small Japanese garden or you can relax or take a nap at the back room pretending you reading a Japanese magazine. :)
I really want to come back for the different festival and learn more about the Japanese culture, since I love eating Sushi that much! :)

I came here for SPRING FESTIVAL back in March and this is a very nice building that helps display the true nature of Japanese Culture. The entrance leads to the reception area where you can get details about Facilities, Clubs, and Various Activities that go on.
I was able to observe and learn of a summarized version of Traditional TEA Ceremony where the long version can last up to 3 hours. Further along is an Art Gallery where I saw art related to Japanese Canadian History/​Culture.
There’s a small Giftshop and SNACK Counter along the way to your Martial Arts lessons where 2 classes can be held simultaneously. If you don’t feel like SWEATING yourself you can always watch the lessons as they have a glass wall that allows Family Members to watch the progress without smelling the stink… Until they open the Dojo door and then its UNAVOIDABLE.
KOBAYASHI Hall is a large area where multiple events can be held and during the Spring Festival, there was performances on the stage as well as various stalls displaying items for sale such as Hand-​made pins, Florals, Show information, Accessories, etc…
Sign up for MEMBERSHIP if you like their programs but the prices and membership deadlines vary. Programs include: Martial Arts, Workshops (J-​Cooking, Origami, etc…), Cultural Classes, Activities.
Second floor seems to be the Office/​Class area. Check out the WEBSITE and see what gets your fancy. I wonder what the JCCC Annual Bazaar is, but I can see there will be SUSHI!