Short-term residents – often company representatives or those associated with tourism – tended to group together, retaining their customs and language. Longer-term residents, mainly professionals, have integrated more actively. In many ways their outlook mirrors that of their American and European counterparts. But some also maintain cultural practices such as the tea ceremony. In the 2000s a typical family would shop for shiitake mushrooms, seaweed and other authentic ingredients, for a diet that was about half Japanese. The Japanese community contributes job skills, financial investment and cultural activities, including popular ‘Japan days’. Martial arts clubs abound. Karaoke bars first appeared in the late 1980s, followed by a variety of outlets selling Japanese food and merchandise.

The New Zealand census figures listed here show the number of residents born in Japan.

• 1921 census: 40
• 1951 census: 47
• 1976 census: 1,173
• 2001 census: 8,622
• 2006 census: 9,573

• There were 11,910 Japanese residents in New Zealand in 2006.
• Most came to work, to join relatives, to marry, or to receive an education.
• The largest group lived in Auckland (4,221), which had a thriving network that included a businessmen’s association, a Christian church, a women’s choir, and a supplementary school.
• Many Japanese were relatively affluent and lived in the eastern suburbs.

New Year's Day 元日, Ganjitsu	Jan 1
Coming of Age Day 成人の日, Seijin no Hi	2nd Monday of January
National Foundation Day 建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi	February 11
Vernal Equinox 春分の日, Shunbun no Hi	Around March 20
Showa Day 昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi	April 29
Constitutional Memorial Day 憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi	May 3
Greenery Day みどりの日, Midori no Hi	May 4
Children's Day こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi	May 5
Marine Day 海の日, Umi no Hi	3rd Monday of July
Respect for the Aged Day 敬老の日, Keirō no Hi	3rd Monday of September
Autumnal Equinox 秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi	Around September 23
Health and Sports Day 体育の日, Taiiku no Hi	2nd Monday of October
Culture Day 文化の日, Bunka no Hi	November 3
Labour Thanksgiving Day 勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi	November 23
The Emperor's Birthday 天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi	December 23

 

 

12 March   Auckland Japan Day

 

 

25 Sep      "A Taste of Japan"

Join the festivities to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the New Zealand Japan Society of Auckland Inc. This will be held at the Logan Campbel Centre, Greenlane, Auckland from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. This free community event is co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan. Contact Stephen Duxfield at .

 

3rd May       Mochituki Takikai

15 July        Japanese Musical Puppetry Performance and Workshop.

 

Tuesday 28, Thursday 30 July, 6:00 pm

Level 18, The majestic Centre, 100 Willis St, WELLINGTON.

The Japan Information and Cultural Centre cordially invite you to a screening of

Nodo-Jiman is a well-known amateur singing contest which travels all over Japan and is broadcast live on NHK(Japanes national broadcasting station) every Sunday at noon. The film looks at the lives of four Nodo-Jiman participants, all with their own unique circumstances.
(Director: Kazuyuki Izutsu, Main Cast: Shinji Muroi, Kohei Otomo, Isao Bito)　

Japan video Topics will be shown 15-20minutes before the feature film.
ADMISSION FREE

The dates can change, due to unforeseen circumstance, so please check the Japanese Embassy website or ring the Cultural Centre for confirmation, (04) 473 1540.