The first Japanese to officially land in Canada was Manzo Nagano in 1877. In 1977, Japanese Canadians nationally were planning to celebrate the Centennial.
In late 1976, the Japanese Canadians in Kamloops were asked to take part in the celebrations, and thus the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association was organized in December 1976 and participated in the celebrations in 1977.
The KJCA was incorporated under the ‘Societies Act of BC’ on January 18, 1980 and granted Charitable Status in November 1980.
The KJCA is a non-profit charitable organization.
The KJCA is a social, cultural organization whose purpose is to foster fellowship amongst its members, to assist in community activities that will be for the benefit and welfare of the community, and to participate in the furtherance of the Japanese culture and heritage.
The KJCA is the proud owner/operator of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre where many of our activities, both cultural and social, take place.
Activities for members include such activities as Children’s Day activities, Golf Tourney, Fishing Derby, Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue, Keirokai party for the Seniors, a Christmas party for the Children, Seniors’ Drop-In, Craft Groups, Cooking lessons, Japanese language classes, Pre-school Play groups, taiko drumming etc. The KJCA is a founding member of the Kamloops Multicultural Society and takes an active part in Folkfest/Canada Day celebrations.
A newsletter is published monthly to keep members informed on happenings of interest to the JC community.