Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall

There’s less than a month to go until the JLPT ⌛

Taking the test at VJLS-JH? Put your mind at ease by taking a mock test here too 😎 

With VJLS-JH’s JLPT Mock Exam, N5 to N1 test takers have a chance to mimic the real JLPT without the added pressure. Under nearly identical conditions to the JLPT, you’ll work through the same assessment sections that you’ll see on your exam and receive personal feedback from our instructors afterwards. 

🔗 Learn more and register using the link in bio

📅 Saturday, June 20
🕑 1:00 – 5:00 PM 
📍 487 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC 
💵 $42

Learn Japanese from your home… or the beach… or the café…

Our online group classes are back for the summer!

With multiple levels to choose from, join an interactive environment that takes Japanese learning far beyond the textbook. Guided by our experienced Japanese instructors, these short-term classes are designed to give you real progress over just 10 weeknights.

🔗More class and registration details available in the link in bio.

📅 Tuesdays, starting June 23 and 30
🕑 6:30 – 8:30 PM PT (Vancouver Time)
📍 Online Zoom Classes 
💵 $305/10 classes

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day a few weeks ago!
 
In our Kinder class, students created special portrait drawings as gifts for their mothers. On the back of their artwork, many students also wrote heartfelt messages in hiragana such as “I love you” and “Thank you.”
 
Each gift was filled with love and appreciation, making it a truly meaningful Mother’s Day project 🌸
 
 
母の日はいかがお過ごしでしたか。

キンダークラスでは、大好きなお母さんのために似顔絵を書いてプレゼントしました。作品の裏には、「大好きだよ」「ありがとう」などとひらがなでメッセージを書く姿も見られました。

素敵なプレゼントになりました🌸

Just a few generations ago, our school stood at the heart of Vancouver’s growing Japanese Canadian neighbourhood. On any given evening, you might have found yourself sharing a laugh with friends at Ernie’s Ice Cream parlor, cheering on the Vancouver Asahi baseball team at Oppenheimer Park, or unwinding at one of the area’s many bathhouses.  
 
Before the forced internment of Japanese Canadians in 1942, hundreds of homes, businesses, and community organizations lined the vibrant community blocks. Though many of the original sites have disappeared, traces of this remarkable history can still be found today. 
 
Held on Sunday mornings throughout the summer, our Historic Powell Street Walking Tours invite participants to explore the streets that Japanese Canadians once called home. Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the historic buildings that still stand (including our own National Historic Site) and hear the stories of the people and places that helped shape early Japanese Canadian identity. 

📅 Sundays, from now until September (or schedule a private group tour any day of the week👫)
🕑 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
📍 487 Alexander Street
💵 $15
🔗 Learn more or register with the link in bio

Thank you for making this year’s Spring Market so special! 🌸

We’re forever grateful for the continued community support that has kept this cherished tradition going year after year. A special shout out goes out to our volunteers – their dedication and generosity are truly the heart of these one-of-a-kind community events. 💗

It was wonderful to see students, families, and new faces come together to enjoy an eventful Saturday in our hall. We’re already looking forward to seeing your warm smiles again at next year’s Spring Market (or perhaps even sooner… stay tuned for upcoming events)! 👀

For Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no hi), our young students brightened the VJLS-JH hallways with their imaginative Koinobori (鯉のぼり) – carp streamers that represent parents and their children 🎏

Given their ability to swim against currents, Koi fish are symbols of perseverance in Japanese culture. 

With tall poles being known to represent higher ambitions, it’s safe to say that our students aren’t lacking any courage 👏

As Children’s Day marks a time to celebrate children’s personalities, health, and happiness, we hope you enjoy some of our students very creative artworks 🎨

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with VJLS-JH!
 
May marks a time to reflect on the contributions of the many diverse Asian communities that have shaped Canadian culture. Join the festivities by exploring Japanese cooking and crafts at our Spring Market, or through one of our historical walking tours, a touching way to connect with early VJLS-JH and Japanese Canadian history.  

VJLS-JHと一緒にアジア文化遺産月間をお祝いしませんか 🍁🌸 

5月は、カナダの文化や社会を形づくってきた、さまざまなアジア系コミュニティの歴史や歩みに触れる月です。VJLS-JH恒例のスプリングマーケットで日本の料理やクラフトを楽しんだり、歴史ウォーキングツアーを通して、VJLS-JHや日系カナダ人の歴史に触れ、コミュニティとのつながりを感じていただけたら嬉しいです。

Spring Market
📅 Sunday, May 9, 2026
🕑 9 AM - 2 PM 
📍 487 Alexander Street
💵 Free, bring cash for vendors
 
Historic Powell Street Walking Tours
📅 Sundays, starting May 17
🕑 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
📍 487 Alexander Street
💵 $15

🔗 Link in bio for all event details!

Our annual Spring Market is just one week away!

Enjoy delicious, homemade Japanese food 🍱 prepared by our amazing kitchen team—fresh, flavorful, and made with love.

In addition to food, you’ll find plenty of local handmade & artisan crafts and goods and vintage treasures 🛍️✨

🌼 VJLS-JH Spring Market
🗓️ Saturday, May 9
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍487 Alexander St
💵 Free Admission

💳 Some vendors accept cards, but cash is recommended

📍 Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall
487 Alexander St

For more details check the link in our bio! 🔗

Last month, some of our VJLS students had the chance to enjoy a Koto demonstration with performers Yuriko Nariya and Sachiko Katz from the group Kotonone-kai. They also had a chance to experience playing one for themselves! The national instrument of Japan, the Koto (箏 or 琴) is a 13-stringed zither-like instrument, traditionally played with finger picks.

Our students were able to connect to music, history, and culture through this hands‑on koto experience. Notably, koto demonstrations have been a part of the school experience for decades! Thank you to Kotonone-kai for extending this VJLS cultural tradition.