Hina Matsuri 2026
Hina Matsuri returns on March 8, 2026!
Formerly known as Haru Matsuri, the new name is a familiar one that many families already hold close. Rooted in the traditional Doll Festival, the day brings together displays of hina dolls, crafts, performances, food, and hands-on activities throughout the Centre. It is a welcoming, all-ages celebration that marks the approach of spring and invites people to spend time together moving through spaces of art, play, and shared attention.
The atmosphere will be gentle and playful. Visitors might watch a martial arts demonstration, make a doll or a kite, listen to kamishibai, encounter new artwork by female Nikkei artists, or simply wander with friends and family. Hina Matsuri is designed to feel both familiar and slightly open-ended—a spring gathering where tradition meets the present, and where everyone is invited to imagine what care and becoming might look like now.
Hina Matsuri is traditionally a celebration that wishes for the healthy growth and happiness of girls. This year’s theme is Omote–Ura — “Front and Back.” Omote refers to the outward, visible, or public side, while ura represents the hidden or private side. Together, they reflect the full and complex nature of a person or situation.
This year’s Hina Matsuri brings that traditional meaning into a contemporary context by exploring the Omote and Ura of Japanese and Japanese-diaspora female through art and cultural experiences, highlighting themes of light and shadow, strength and vulnerability.
Event Program and Activities
- Japanese and Nikkei food and market vendors
- Cultural performances (dance, music)
- Art exhibition and artist walk and talk
- Works from three contemporary Nikkei female artists
- Marina Van Raay
- Nami Ueno
- Yuka Yamaguchi
- Hina doll making and Bina Nagashi (Heritage Garden)
- Kids area: activities to be announced
- JCCC program showcase:
- Interactive activities by JCCC Cultural class (Sumi-e, Ikebana and Chado)
- Martial Arts club Demonstrations
- Kendo: 8:45 -12:15
- Iaido: 1:00 – 3:00
- Judo Joshi: 1:30 – 3:00
- Jodo: 3:30 – 5:00
- Naginata: 3:30 - 5:30
- Dance performance from JCCC odori dance groups and more!
- Heritage activities
Tickets
Online
- Free for members - Apply to be a member here
- Free for anyone in a kimono
- Non-members: $10 + HST / Individual, $20 + HST / Family (2 adults and 3 children), $5+ HST for Seniors (65+) and Children (6-12yrs)
At the Door (Card only)
- Free for members
- Free for anyone in a kimono
- Non-members: $15 + HST / individual and $30 + HST / Family (2 adults and 3 children), $7 + HST for Seniors (65+) and Children (6-12yrs)