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 - Preserving Your Memories: Practical Advice from an Archivist
- 2 individual 30 minute workshops, at 12:30 and 2:30pm (more info below)
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)
Heritage Workshop - Preserving Your Memories: Practical Advice from an Archivist
Join the JCCC Heritage Team during Hina Matsuri to learn how you can preserve your families treasures! The workshop will discuss the best ways to store or display your items, proper storage materials and supplies, and practical advice to ensure that your treasures last for generations.
Registration is recommended, although the team will be available between sessions to answer questions.
12:30pm RSVP here
2:30pm RSVP here
*Note this workshop is part of Hina Matsuri, attendees are also required to RSVP/Purchase a ticket to Hina Matsuri.