Library display

Kanako Nishi Book Display: Over Two Decades of Storytelling 

In celebration of Japanese author 西加奈子 Kanako Nishi’s upcoming book talk at the UBC Asian Centre on April 24th, the Asian Library presents a display featuring a selection of her works from our collection. This display spans over two decades of writing …

On writing and translating Sakura: A conversation with Kanako Nishi and Allison Markin Powell 

Join Dr. Christina Laffin, associate professor of Japanese literature, for a conversation with Kanako Nishi and book translator Allison Markin Powell to discuss what the translation of Nishi’s bestselling novel, Sakura, means in the context of the risi…

Vibrant Vaisakhi: A Celebration of Spirit and Harvest

Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi), typically celebrated on April 13 or 14, marks the spring harvest. It is a time for farmers to give thanks for an abundant harvest and pray for future prosperity. The festival is celebrated by the Sikh community in India and acro…

Nowruz 2026: Rebirth and Renewal

March 20th was Nowruz, which marks the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring in the Northern hemisphere. Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Persian, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across regions influenced by Persian culture. The Haft-Seen tab…

KPop and Demons in the Asian Library Collection

The Asian Library is featuring two displays on “Pop Culture Across Asia” (upper floor) and “Demons in Japanese and Korean Contexts” (ground floor). These displays were installed just in time for Kids Take Over UBC 2026 and are inspired by the hugely po…