Just as Vancouver menus increasingly embrace sakura (cherry blossom) as inspiration for dishes, the Japanese Canadian community is boosting its sakura-inspiration by expanding its spring festival.

This year, the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby) is collaborating with the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society to present its largest spring festival ever.

The family-friendly event Celebrate Spring: Festival of Colour, held on April 16 (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will feature kimono dressings, tea ceremonies, crafts for children, Satsuki-kai (classical Japanese dance), Ryukyu Dance and Taiko (Okinawan dance and music), and the Taiwan Vancouver International Folk Dance Club.

Kimono, handmade accessories, bonsai, and other Japanese-related items will be available for purchase.

Japanese food lovers will want to take note that a highly popular sakura bento lunch will also be available in limited quantities.

The bento will include chirashi sushi, chicken karaage, nimono (simmered vegetables), deep-fried fish, baked chicken with miso, and Japanese pickles. 

The bento lunch costs $13 plus tax and orders can be placed by calling 604-777-7000 or sending an email. (Be warned: the bento usually sells out so place your orders as soon as possible.)

Other food on sale will include takoyaki (ball-shaped ground octopus); ramen; chazuke (rice soup); Japanese sandwiches, with miso katsu (pork cutlet) or kabocha (squash), Japanese crepes; Filipino food; Taiwanese food items, including sticky rice, sausages, spring rolls, and bubble tea; and more.