Building Connections
Meeting and talking helps us understand one another, build trust and form new friendships.
01 / ABOUT US
About the Club
Passing our connections
to the next generation.
Kanton Kaikan Club, a general incorporated association based in Yokohama Chinatown, preserves Cantonese traditions and strengthens friendships among members and connections with the local community.
We bring generations together to share experiences and ideas, building lasting connections through everyday encounters.
Sharing Culture
We explore Cantonese culture and customs, sharing their appeal and deepening our understanding.
Nurturing Fellowship
We value welcoming relationships that bring people together across generations and backgrounds.
MESSAGE
President’s Message
Passing Our Spirit of Unity to the Next Generation
Thanks to the dedication of those who came before us, KANTON KAIKAN CLUB celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023.
Our predecessor, 留日廣東會舘, was an association of people from Guangdong. In 1854, 羅森, a native of Guangdong, visited Yokohama as one of Commodore Perry’s interpreters. With the opening of the port, many overseas Chinese from Guangdong subsequently arrived to pursue new possibilities in Yokohama. Against this historical background, and with pride in the contribution of people from Guangdong to the foundations of Yokohama Chinatown, our association was established in 1953.
In 2011, we adopted the name 廣東會館倶樂部, inscribed on the gold signboard left by our predecessors, as an expression of our wish never to forget our origins. From the outset, our first president, 龐柱琛, taught us the importance of unity rather than acting alone. By taking a broad view, helping one another and standing together, our community’s strength can grow twofold or threefold. This teaching continues to guide our activities today.
We live in an age when information travels around the world in real time and circumstances change ever faster. As new ideas and influences emerge, we must keep asking what truly matters and what we should preserve. Through traditional cultural activities, ceremonies and events, we deepen friendships among our members and work towards a local community whose people support one another.
Our responsibility is to cherish our gratitude to earlier generations, remember our roots, and pass the baton to the next generation for a peaceful and prosperous future.
一般社団法人廣東會館倶樂部
Representative Director and President 林 孝明
MESSAGE
Life Honorary President’s Message
What Kanton Kaikan Means to Me
In 1953, my father, our first President 龐柱琛, and fellow Cantonese compatriots established this organization and began volunteering. Our activities included Yokohama’s costume parade, visits to immigration detention facilities and memorial rites for the deceased with no surviving family.
Political divisions in Chinatown later brought the activities of the Cantonese association to a halt, and it remained dormant for many years. Our second-generation members then rebuilt the organization, invited members to take part in elections, and elected me, 龐國忠（林兼正）, as President.
We continued our voluntary work for the next twenty years. My mother 曾淑銘 donated the portion of the old hall’s land and building that she owned. These assets were sold to build a new hall at our present location.
The spirit of Kanton Kaikan lies in remembering our roots, learning our homeland’s language and traditions, and helping fellow compatriots. I hope this organization will always cherish that spirit.
My ancestral home is Guangdong. Yet I was born and raised in Japan and became a Japanese citizen. It is through my friends at Kanton Kaikan that I feel connected to my homeland.
For me, this Kanton Kaikan Club in Yokohama is my home.
Kanton Kaikan Club — General Incorporated Association
Life Honorary President: 林 兼正
02 / ACTIVITIES
Activities
Preserving culture and connecting with our community: the main initiatives in our second-term activity plan.
Cultural Events and Ceremonies
Qingming, earthquake memorial rites and year-end ceremonies preserve traditions and provide opportunities for reflection and fellowship.
Guangdong Lion Dance Troupe
We preserve Chinese traditions, welcome new troupe members and take part in local festivals, cultural exchanges and community service.
Member Gatherings
Trips, New Year celebrations and member events build friendships across generations.
Tai Chi and Dance
We support Tai Chi and Senior Life activities and assist with Irish dance classes.
Keeping Members Informed
We plan three newsletter issues each year and develop our website and social media to welcome and support the next generation of members.
Managing the Hall
We manage our multipurpose spaces and meeting rooms and maintain the hall as a base for activities and exchange.
2023 / 70th Anniversary
A Year of Culture and Fellowship
70th-Anniversary Day Trip to Chiba
On 15 November, an anniversary bus trip visited Naritasan Shinshoji and Sawara. Temple visits, historic streets, a small boat ride, meals and a sake brewery tour brought generations together.
Ancestral Remembrance and Local Festivals
Qingming worship at the Chinese Cemetery on 5 April was followed by cherry-blossom viewing. The 1 September earthquake memorial marked a century since the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Lion Dance Troupe Activities
The troupe joined the Mazu Festival (21 March), Guandi’s Birthday (10 August) and Kitamon Festival (3 November), where ten months of rehearsal produced a story-based performance.
2021 / 15th Term
風雨同舟・精誠團結
Supporting One Another and Continuing Our Work
At the 14th-term members’ meeting and first board meeting of the 15th term on 12 February 2021, 周 慶錦 was reappointed President. The theme 風雨同舟・精誠團結 expressed a commitment to face difficulties together in unity.
During the outbreak, a members-first policy prioritized mask distribution and infection prevention. Remote board meetings helped maintain support and exchange while protecting members and their families.
The 2021 Activity Plan
- Newsletter publication, website and social media development, and welcoming and nurturing future members
- Cultural ceremonies including Qingming, earthquake memorials and year-end worship
- Member gatherings for cherry blossoms, travel and New Year celebrations
- Support for Tai Chi, junior kung fu and Irish dance
- The troupe’s cultural preservation, recruitment, community exchange and service
- Hall maintenance and multipurpose space management
These are historical plans and activity records. During the outbreak, events were adjusted in size and format, including limiting worship to directors and auditors.
2019–2020 / Culture and Exchange
Passing Homeland Culture On through Clothing and Photographs
Sharing Overseas Chinese Life Stories
The 2019 exhibition Clothing in Yokohama Chinatown inspired a discussion with deputy director 伊藤泉美 of the Yokohama Eurasian Cultures Museum and members. Three qipaos donated by the club were displayed. Qipaos, wedding kwa and family photographs prompted reflections on changes in overseas Chinese life and culture.
Weddings and Family Memories
The 2020 New Year issue featured a Chinese wedding held at Yokohama Mazu Temple in December 2012, recording the two-piece kwa, wedding banners and celebratory lion dance. Preserving clothing, photographs and personal accounts connects generations.
Lunar New Year and Year-End Gatherings
Sixty-one people attended the Lunar New Year gathering on 25 January 2020, enjoying live calligraphy, entertainment and music. On New Year’s Eve 2019, worship and lion dance offerings were followed by a soba reunion for members and the troupe.
Historical activity and cultural records from the 2020 New Year newsletter.
2019 / Community Exchange and Cultural Heritage
Together on the Community Stage
Recognition for the Troupe
On 30 May, the troupe received a certificate from the Yokohama Chinatown Development Association recognizing its 2019 Lunar New Year performances, skills and cultural preservation. It joined the Guandi’s Birthday parade on 26 July.
Calligraphy Meets Lion Dance
On 3 November, the troupe collaborated with calligrapher 玲泉 for the first time at Kitamon Festival, combining live calligraphy with dynamic lion dance to celebrate with visitors.
Autumn Trip to Kawagoe, Little Edo
On 24 October, members took a day trip to Kawagoe, enjoying historic streets, an eel meal, shopping and conversation on the bus.
Preserving Photographs, Clothing and Memories
The 2019 autumn issue invited members to share old photographs, records, Chinese clothing and memories to preserve traditions. A winter-issue discussion explored family clothing and photos, the lives behind them and connections between Yokohama, Kobe and other communities.
Historical activity records from the autumn and winter 2019 issues.
2018 / Members’ Memories and Traditions
Life Memories as Community Heritage
Members’ Lives and Family Photographs
An interview with 梁 潔得 and 雅子 in the autumn 2018 issue recalled father 梁兆華, life in Chinatown and mutual support. Photographs of meals and the old hall around 1960 preserve the history of the community and its members.
Historic Clothing for Museums
Twelve Chinese garments donated to the club were transferred to the Yokohama Eurasian Cultures Museum and Kobe Overseas Chinese History Museum, respecting owners’ wishes and expert advice. Some appeared in the Yokohama museum’s 15th-anniversary journal.
Lion Dance Competitions and Local Events
The troupe entered the first All-Japan Chinese Lion Dance Competition on 26–27 May, received a certificate for performances and cultural preservation on 31 May, and joined the Guandi’s Birthday parade on 5 August.
Historical records from the autumn 2018 newsletter.
Activities in 2017
Community Exchange and Members’ Memories
Multicultural Exchange at School
On 21 January, the troupe joined a multicultural event at Yokohama Municipal Higashi Elementary School, introducing children to traditional culture through drums and lion dance.
Fellowship Trip to Okutama
On 21 September, members toured and tasted sake at Sawanoi, enjoyed a tofu kaiseki lunch and explored Nippara Limestone Cave. Conversation on the bus strengthened friendships across generations.
Passing Members’ Memories On
The newsletter interviewed 麥 燦培 and 陳 廣祥, sharing memories and photographs of postwar Chinatown, schools, the youth association and lion dance.
The 13th term adopted the theme 継往開来, carrying traditions forward while developing the association. November’s Kitamon Festival combined Tai Chi, kung fu and lion dance.
Activities in 2015–2016
Overseas Chinese History in Photographs and Cultural Gatherings
Second Yokohama Overseas Chinese Photography Exhibition
From 1–10 October 2016, the second Yokohama Overseas Chinese Photography Exhibition at the hall explored past and present through members’ photographs of Chinatown life and history, welcoming over 1,200 visitors.
Visitors searched for relatives and friends in the photographs, sharing personal and family memories as a community record.
A Place for Culture and Learning
Cantonese classes resumed in 2015, alongside Tai Chi and dance classes. These offered ways to learn and enjoy culture through language and movement. The troupe joined port celebrations, Guandi’s Birthday and local festivals.
Seasonal Gatherings
Gatherings included cherry-blossom viewing after Qingming worship, firefly viewing at Sankeien and fireworks. An autumn 2016 trip to Chiba visited Mother Farm and Nomizo Falls.
Lunar New Year Gathering
The Lunar New Year gathering at Manchinro on 19 February 2015 brought generations together for lion dance, music, entertainment and conversation.
A commemorative photograph with comedian AMEMIYA, invited to perform at the event
Activities in 2021–2022
Supporting Members and Preserving Ceremonies
Member Support during the Outbreak
Lunar New Year gatherings were cancelled in 2021 and 2022 because of infection risks. Members received five stored masks each in 2021 and seasonal fruit in 2022.
Ceremonies with Small Groups
Qingming and earthquake memorial rites were held with fewer directors. On New Year’s Eve 2021, Immediate Past President 陳 祐國 and five directors worshipped at the hall, Guandi Temple and Mazu Temple.
The Troupe in 2022
The troupe performed at the Hama Festival Y163 Chinatown parade on 28 May, Zebra Jazz on 11 August and the 14th Kitamon Festival on 3 November.
Regular Irish dance classes continued to use the hall, supporting cultural activities.
2023 / Proposed 16th-Term Activity Plan
Planning the Next Chapter at Seventy
The 16th-term plan proposed 70th-anniversary member events in summer and autumn and preparations for incorporation, with stronger newsletter, website and social media communication to welcome and develop future members.
Plans covered hall and meeting-room management, traditional events, support for Tai Chi and Irish dance, and troupe recruitment, community exchanges and service.
2025 / FELLOWSHIP
Celebrating Longevity at the New Year Gathering
On 29 January 2025, flowers were presented at the New Year gathering to celebrate longevity.
2024–2026 / COMMUNITY
Activities in 2024–2026
Transition to a General Incorporated Association · 2024 8 August / 1 November
Registration was completed on 8 August 2024, and operations as a general incorporated association began on 1 November. We continue the history built by earlier generations through fellowship and cultural heritage.
Lunar New Year Night Parade · 2025 11 February
The Guangdong Lion Dance Troupe joined the Lunar New Year night parade, performing with illuminated LED lions in Chinatown.
Kanteitan Parade · 2025 18 July
The troupe joined the Kanteitan parade, paid respects at the Guan Di and Mazu temples and performed along the route. Members worked together to support the summer celebration.
First Bowling Fellowship Gathering · 2025 14 October
Seventeen people joined our first bowling gathering at Yokohama Young Bowl. Participants from primary-school children to seniors played together, then shared a meal at 龍鳳, strengthening friendships across generations.
Lunar New Year Celebration at a Hotel · 2026 17 February
We celebrated Lunar New Year at Harbor Kitchen in Hyatt Regency Yokohama. Flowers honoured our senior members; a prize draw, violin and accordion music, and games brought everyone together for a group photograph.
Summer Gathering at Yamashita Park · 2026 11 July
Our summer gathering took place at THE WHARF HOUSE YAMASHITA KOEN. Members of all ages enjoyed a meal, sea views and the night scenery while deepening their friendships.
03 / LEADERSHIP
Second-Term Directors and Auditors
Representative Director / President
林 孝明
PRESIDENT
Director / Vice President
陳 礼皇
VICE PRESIDENT
- Director / Executive Director
- 張 如偉
- Director / Managing Director
- 温 耀立
- Director / Managing Director
- 謝 立榮
- Director / Managing Director
- 區 愛玲
- Director / Managing Director
- 林 泰成
- Director / Immediate Past President
- 周 慶錦
- Auditor
- 區 傅宗
Names and positions follow the newsletter issued on 5 August 2026.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Donations and Support
Supporting Our Community
2026 / Kumamoto Earthquake Relief
The club donated JPY 500,000 to the Japanese Red Cross Society in support of those affected by the Kumamoto earthquake.
1995 / Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Relief
On 1 March 1995, the Hyogo Cantonese Association presented a letter of thanks and a commemorative plaque for the club’s earthquake relief contribution.
2015 / Zenrinmon Gate Repairs
The club contributed to repairs of Zenrinmon Gate. Two lions performed at the presentation and ribbon-cutting on 29 November 2015.
Support for Education and the Chinese Community
We donated JPY 5 million towards the new school building at Yokohama Chinese School and JPY 100,000 towards construction of the rest facility at 中華義荘, supporting education and community facilities.
SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Fund
Supporting Education in the Overseas Chinese Community
We established our Scholarship Fund on 27 December 2004, incorporating mentoring to support the education of children of overseas Chinese families. We began providing scholarships to two students in April 2006.
Below, we introduce our scholarship arrangements as of 30 April 2012. Please contact our office for current availability, eligibility, amounts, duration and deadlines.
Eligibility
We accept applications from final-year high school students who are children of club members and have a director’s recommendation, or who have their school principal’s recommendation. We select recipients within our budget. We permit concurrent receipt of other scholarships and prefer study at public institutions.
Places, Duration and Amounts
We offer a small number of places, normally for four years. As of 2012, our monthly scholarship amounts were JPY 40,000 for study in Japan and JPY 50,000 for study overseas.
Applications and Selection
Under our 2012 arrangements, applicants submitted the prescribed form by the end of September each year, and we made decisions within three months of application. We assess applications based on the documents submitted. We may exclude incomplete applications.
Recipients’ Responsibilities
We ask recipients to submit a written progress report every six months, attend a board meeting once a year (overseas students when returning to Japan), submit a copy of their receipt on receiving payment, and provide academic results within one month after the end of the academic term each year. Please promptly notify us of changes to your name, address, telephone, other important details, student status or other scholarship awards. Recipients join our club as special members with membership fees waived.
Suspension and Cancellation
We suspend payments if recipients do not fulfil their obligations. We may cancel an award if eligibility ceases, payments were obtained improperly, or a recipient repeats a year, takes leave or withdraws.
04 / RENTAL SPACE
Venue Hire
Our hall, studio and meeting room are available to hire for meetings, training, classes, dance and photography. Choose a space to suit your needs and check availability or book through Instabase.
Hall / Meeting Space
A spacious hall with a ceiling approximately five metres high and wall mirrors, suitable for Tai Chi, dance classes, seminars and workshops.
- 90 m² · Up to 60 people
- Mirrors · Cushioned flooring
- Tables · Chairs · Wi-Fi · Air conditioning
Studio
A mirrored studio suitable for dance, classes and a wide range of practice sessions.
- Up to 30 people
- Mirrors provided
- Wi-Fi · Air conditioning
Meeting Room
A meeting room with an oval table, ideal for meetings and discussions around the table.
- Seats up to 30
- Oval table
- Wi-Fi · Air conditioning
Please check each room’s Instabase listing for prices, availability, equipment and terms. Include setup and cleanup time in your booking.
Getting Here
118-2 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
5 minutes on foot from Ishikawacho Station (JR Negishi Line) / 10 minutes from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line)
06 / CONTACT
Contact
Please contact our office with questions, comments or requests.
Kanton Kaikan Club Office
118-2 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0023, Japan
TEL：045-681-9997
FAX：045-228-9929
KANTON KAIKAN CLUB
Time together builds lasting ties.
Every encounter matters.
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