The Canada Japan Society of Ottawa

The Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) and Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre (OJCC) are non-profit organizations dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and community engagement in Ottawa, ON. Established in 1976, these organizations serve as primary cultural institutions for persons of Japanese descent and those interested in Japanese heritage in the Ottawa-Carleton region. The OJCA and OJCC operate as complementary entities, with the OJCA focusing on community representation and advocacy, while the OJCC provides a physical cultural hub at Unit B16, 2285 St. Laurent Boulevard. Together, they offer a comprehensive range of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programming that celebrates Japanese traditions while building bridges between communities. Their service offerings include annual signature events such as Mochitsuki, a traditional mochi-pounding celebration featuring live demonstrations, authentic Japanese cuisine, and performances by local cultural groups. The organizations also host educational events, fashion shows, and cultural exhibitions that showcase Japanese arts and heritage. As member organizations of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), the OJCA and OJCC maintain active involvement in broader Canadian-Japanese relations and community advocacy. They provide membership opportunities, facilitate cultural programming, and create spaces for community gathering and cultural celebration. Whether through their vibrant event calendar or their commitment to preserving and sharing Japanese cultural heritage with the broader Ottawa community, these organizations remain essential resources for cultural engagement and intercultural understanding in Ottawa, ON.