Fujiya Turns 50: A Celebration Five Decades in the Making

Fujiya Turns 50: A Celebration Five Decades in the Making

Customers invited to join in anniversary festivities for a chance to win prizes, including a trip for two to Japan 

Fujiya, B.C.’s original Japanese food destination, is celebrating its 50th anniversary — marking five decades of bringing Japanese food, flavours and culture to the everyday life of locals.The milestone is a recognition of Fujiya’s storied history and an opportunity to honour the legacy of founder Shig Hirai, whose warm greetings and personal relationships with customers helped establish the community-focused spirit that continues to define Fujiya today. It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the customers, employees, suppliers and wider community who have been part of its story over the past half-century.

In appreciation, the family-owned business is inviting customers to join in the celebrations, collect limited-edition stickers, share memories, and enter to win prizes, including a trip for two to Japan.

Founded in Vancouver in 1977 by Shig and his wife Akemi, Fujiya opened at a time when Japanese food options were limited. As one of the city’s earliest Japanese grocery stores, it became a place where Japanese and Japanese-Canadian families could find familiar foods and ingredients, while also welcoming curious locals eager to discover a cuisine that was still relatively unfamiliar to Canadians. It was also one of the first spots to get Japanese takeout food, similar to convenience stores (konbinis) in Japan.

Now in its 50th year, Fujiya has grown alongside British Columbia’s appreciation for Japanese food and culture. Through changing tastes, trends and generations, the company has remained grounded in the Japanese concept of kurashi — the idea of finding beauty, balance and meaning in the everyday moments shared around food.

Megan Matsuda, Executive Vice President, says for many customers Fujiya has become more than a place to shop; it is a connection to food, culture, heritage and community. “Reaching 50 years is incredibly meaningful for our family, but this anniversary really belongs to everyone who has been part of Fujiya’s story,” says Matsuda. “Generations of customers have welcomed us into their everyday lives — from weeknight dinners and school lunches to celebrations and family traditions. As we mark this milestone, we want to say thank you and share the spirit of Fujiya with the community that made these 50 years possible.”

At all Fujiya locations, customers can collect limited-edition stickers for a chance to draw a lucky ticket and win Fujiya gift cards. Partial proceeds from every sticker sale will be donated to support local food banks. For the Journey Home contest, customers are invited to submit a favourite Fujiya memory, tradition, or meal for the chance to win a trip for two to Japan, or secondary prizes of gift cards and vouchers up to a value of $500. Official rules and regulations for the Journey Home Contest are at www.fujiya.ca/contest-terms.

Learn more at www.fujiya.ca/50years and www.fujiya.ca/journeyhome 

About Fujiya: Founded in Vancouver in 1977 by Shig Hirai and his family, Fujiya has been connecting British Columbians with Japanese food and culture for 50 years. From Japanese groceries and specialty ingredients to freshly prepared meals, Fujiya has grown from one pioneering Vancouver market to four locations serving communities across British Columbia including East Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Richmond, while remaining a family-owned business rooted in food, culture and community. www.fujiya.ca/50years