About Us
The Kamloops Japanese Canadian Museum & Archives is a small museum located in the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, dedicated for the local Japanese Canadian history.
Hours: Every Tuesday 10am to 2pm
For a group viewing or school tour, please make an appointment at kjcma2012@gmail.com
Museum History
Our History
The Foundations (1995–2000s) The museum’s origins trace back to 1995, beginning as the History Preservation Committee of the Kamloops & Area Chapter National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC). From the start, our mission was driven by the community, as the committee diligently collected artifacts and archival materials to preserve the legacy of local Japanese Canadians.
Resilience and Rebuilding Following a fire that damaged the Kamloops Cultural Centre in 2008, the community rallied to rebuild, officially reopening the facility in 2009. With the expert guidance of the National Nikkei Museum & Cultural Centre and generous support from the NAJC Endowment Fund and our Sister City of Uji, Japan, the museum found its first permanent home in the lower level of the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.
The Kamloops Japanese Canadian Museum and Archives was officially opened on September 29th, 2012, the 70th year since the forced relocation of Japanese Canadians from the West Coast.
A New Era: The 2026 Reopening In 2024, through a landmark grant from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, we began an extensive renovation of the museum and the lower floor of the KJCA Centre. After a year of transformation, the museum officially reopened its doors on January 31, 2026.
This reopening holds profound significance, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association and the 84th year since the forced relocation of Japanese Canadians from the West Coast.
As we open this new chapter, we remain committed to sharing the stories of the past to inspire a future rooted in understanding, social justice, and cultural pride.
Our Mission
To collect, preserve, display and document the local (the vicinity of Kamloops and the Interior BC) Japanese Canadian history and the culture
To educate the general public about the Japanese Canadian history and the culture, working closely with the Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association
To advocate for the Japanese Canadian survivors
Affiliation
The Kamloops Japanese Canadian Museum & Archives is affiliated with
- The Kamloops Japanese Canadian Association
- The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre