Japanese and Turkish Canadian communities to join together to celebrate spring

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      What happens when you combine the white-and-red Japanese flag of the rising sun with the red-and-white Turkish flag of a crescent moon and star?

      You get the Canadian maple leaf.  

      And that's what will happen this spring when local Japanese and Turkish Canadian communities converge to welcome spring together.

      While preparations are underway for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby) will be hosting Celebrate Spring: Festival of Colour on March 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

      The free event will feature Japanese cultural demonstrations, such as kimono dressing, tea ceremonies, Japanese calligraphy, satsuki-kai (classical Japanese dance), bonsai, and children's crafts.

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      This year, the Japanese Canadian community has invited the Turkish Canadian community to showcase their traditional arts and culture, along with performances by the Vancouver Turkish Choir.

      Of course, there'll be food to enjoy, such as ramen, takoyaki, Japanese crepes, sandwiches, and more.

      Like the VCBF, there will be a sakura (cherry blossom) bento prepared by Hi-Genki Japanese Restaurant (located in the neighbouring Nikkei Place), accompanied by a cup of sour cherry green tea from Silk Road Tea.

      Bento boxes can be ordered in advance by calling 604-777-7000 or email. Pre-orders are $15 (including tax) while a limited number will be available for purchase at the event for $17 (including tax).

      For more information about the festival, visit the Nikkei Centre website.

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