The Japanese community in Calgary is centered around the Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA), which serves as the heart of Nikkei activities in the city and embodies the broader Japanese Canadian experience.
Founding:
The roots of the CJCA trace back to the late 1940s, when Japanese Canadian families, newly permitted to move to Calgary after the hardships of the war years, began meeting in a living room. The founding members were forward-thinking individuals who envisioned a growing community and recognized the future need for a larger, dedicated space.
Cultural Identity:
Today, the CJCA continues to provide a place to celebrate, preserve, and share the rich culture, history, and traditions of Japanese Canadians in Calgary. The community includes both early settlers—many of whom endured internment and post-war resettlement—and more recent newcomers who arrived in the 1990s and 2000s.Alberta Nikkei Distinctiveness:
The Japanese community in Alberta holds a distinctive identity shaped by its rural origins and strong cultural infrastructure. Alberta’s Nikkei community reflects a unique blend, where Japanese Canadian traditions are interwoven with broader elements of Canadian society.
Contact us
Email:
Phone:
(403) 242-4143
Let’s Donate !
Thank you for supporting the CJCA Legacy Project. The Legacy project is to provide a space where the Japanese community in Calgary can thrive and grow for generations to come.