Book Launch! Beauty of a New Land: The Lives and Legacies of Five Immigrant Women in Canada.

Hello,

Please join me to celebrate the publication of my new book, Beauty of a New Land: The Lives and Legacies of Five Immigrant Women in Canada. 

Beauty of a New Land tells the stories of five elder women, including me, who immigrated to Canada, decades ago, from different parts of the world. The book celebrates their contributions to Canadian society and describes how each has managed to bridge the culture of her homeland with that of their adopted nation. It offers a glimpse into each of four women’s relationships with a daughter and a granddaughter and explores the cultural dynamics that tend to exist within immigrant families who become Canadians.  It bears witness to the vital self-confidence and the sensitive awareness of five women who have made meaningful and happy lives for themselves in Canada while working to forge a just society for others.

I will be reading from and signing the book as well as introducing these amazing women.

We hope you can join us. Please RSVP to michikoss@shaw.ca.

Michiko Sakamoto-Senge


Beauty of a New Land

The Lives and Legacies of Five
Immigrant Women in Canada

By Michiko Sakamoto-Senge

Date December 10, 2023
Location Wentworth Villa
Architectural Heritage Museum
1156 Fort Street, Victoria

Time 2:00-4:30 pm
Books Available for purchase.
Cash, cheque, or e-transfers accepted.
$40 (no tax)

Wheelchair access from the side door.

Street parking available.

NAJC Open Letter on Israel-Palestine

National Association of Japanese Canadians

November 17, 2023

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Via Email

Dear Prime Minister and Ministers:

Open Letter from the Japanese Canadian Community: Urgent Call for an End to the Deadly Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Japanese Canadian community calls on the Government of Canada to press for:

  • An immediate ceasefire to the fighting in Gaza;
  • The release of all hostages;
  • Increased access to Gaza for humanitarian aid and humanitarian corridors; and
  • Increased action against hate-crimes inflicted upon Arab, Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities in Canada.

The National Association of Japanese Canadians expresses its profound horror and shock at the level of brutality, loss of human life and the humanitarian crisis now occurring in Israel and Palestine. Although Palestinian people have endured decades of deprivation and human rights violations, the cruel atrocities and inhumanities carried out by Hamas on October 7 must be condemned. Retaliatory military actions by the Israeli government have however, resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians including children, helping to perpetuate the never-ending cycle of violence and hate. It is with heavy hearts and an urgent sense of responsibility that we reach out to call for an end to the deadly violence and destruction.

Japanese Canadians also stand against the evil of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We know all too well that wars waged in other parts of the world can result in those who are innocent being vilified and targeted here at home. We implore all to reject hate, never to inflict suffering upon people because of who they are, to uphold human dignity and rights and to stand in resolute solidarity today and tomorrow with Arab, Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian people.

We would like to remind all parties involved of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states in its preamble that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.” Article 3 of the declaration reaffirms that “everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.” We implore all parties to prioritize the lives and well-being of their fellow human beings. The world is watching, and the time for lasting peace is now.

Yours sincerely,

Les Kojima
President

Dementia Advocate Workshop/ 認知症サポーターワークショップ (Sunday, September 17th)

Workshop title: Dementia Advocate Workshop/ 認知症サポーターワークショップ

Organization: JAMSNET-CANADA, supported by VNCS

Admission: Free 無料イベント

Instructor: Okada Yuka, Geriatric Nurse (Momiji Healthcare Society) 高齢者ナースプラクティショナー、岡田由佳 (モミジ・ヘルスケア・ソサエティ)

Data and Time: September 17th (Sun) 10AM (English) 9月17日(日)午後1時半(日本語)

Place: Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 2A1

Pre-registration: https://forms.gle/vub4Nak4Afmi6ojk9 事前登録はこちらからお願いします

Content and time schedule: Please see the below 内容とタイムラインは下記をご覧ください

 

Part 1: Lecture “What is Dementia?”
10:00 to 10:50 PM (50 min)
Basic information, prevention, and institutional care of dementia
(10 min break)
Part 2: Activity “Dementia and Living”
11:00 to 12:10 PM (70 min)
Discussion, group work, and role-play of how to support people with dementia
(5 min break)
Part 3: Introduction of Team Orange “Initiatives of supporting people with dementia”
12:15 to 12:30 PM (15 min)
Examples of Dementia Dementia-friendly Communities in Japan

第一部:講義「認知症とは」
午後1時半~2時20分 (50分)
基礎知識・予防・診断とその後
(10分休憩 )
第二部:アクティビティ「認知症と生活」
午後2時半~3時40 分 (70分)
症状と対応・ディスカッション
(5分休憩)
第三部:オレンジチーム紹介「認知症の方を支える活動」
午後3時45分-4時(15分)
日本での認知症フレンドリーコミュニティーの例の紹介

Thank You 2023 Japanese Cultural Fair Volunteers, Sponsors and Donors!

A big thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors/donors that made this year’s Japanese Cultural Fair a big success! We just could not do it without YOU! お疲れ様でした!And to all you who made it out to the festival we hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it on!


 

 

An event like the VNCS Japanese Cultural Fair is only possible when many people work together. Here the VNCS would like to express a big thank you to our Volunteers, Sponsors and Donors. ARIGATOU!

We encourage all those who attended the fair to frequent our sponsors below.

 

Proudly Sponsored By:

       
 
Exclusive Media Sponsors
 
Print Media Sponsors
 
 

PLATINUM Level Sponsors


Bento Sushi
Chieri Uegaki
Fudo Japanese Restaurant
Fujiya Japanese Foods
Keiko Hicks
Janice Nakamura
Robin Hood Inn & Suites
Sakura Sushi and Grocery
Standard Furniture
Township of Esquimalt


GOLD Level Sponsors


JagaSilk
Jim Pattison Auto Group
La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Decor
Marlene Howell
Peter Jarvis
Sushi Rice Studios
Sushi Story
Think Communications Inc.


SILVER Level Sponsors


Ardmore Golf Course
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Barb Humm
Blenkinsop Driving Range
Camilla Schuett
Campus Auto Group (Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan)
Carlton Plaza Hotel, Best Western
Craig & Kana Mercer
Curtis Cross (Assante Wealth Management)
Elements Casino Victoria
E:ne Raw Food + Sake Bar
Fairway Market
Ghost Ramen
Janice Nakamura
Jayne Takahashi
Joanne Rollins
KODO collection
Koto Sushi Izakaya
Lisa Nakamura
Mark Compton
Nessa Herman
Nicholas Randall
Pacific Mazda
Patti Kagawa
Pendray Tea House
Pharmasave Oak Bay
Ramen Arashi
Royal BC Museum
Ruffell & Brown
Sawyer Sewing Centre
ScanDesigns Furniture
Sen Zushi Japanese Restaurant
Silk Road Tea
Starbucks Coffee (Hillside Mall)
Yuriko Takane


BRONZE Level Sponsors

Alexander’s Coffee Bar
Barbara Gilbert
Bao Restaurant
Buckerfields
Butchart Gardens
Butterfly Gardens
Cameron Barnard
Cozy Koji
Deb Shepherd
Discovery Cofee/Yonni’s donuts
Dumpling Drop
Ecotopia Naturals
Goodside Pastry House
Hey Happy Coffee
Hide + Seek Coffee
Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP)
Ivy’s Bookshop
Japanese Village Restaurant
Jo Caragata
Keiko Saunders
Kendra Savich
KOME KOME (Rice Crackers)
Kuma Noodle
Level Ground Coffee & Tasting Room
Lily Jer Nakamura
Lorrainne Nygaard
Lynn Thomson
Melinda’s Biscotti & Bistro
Milestone’s
Munro’s books
Murchie’s Tea and Coffee
My Thai Cafe
Ono Poké
Pacific Shiatsu
Politano Café
RockCoast Confections
Russell Nursery
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Shiki Sushi
Shizen Sushi
Side Street Studio
Sidney Museum
Subway (Eagle Creek Village)
Sushi Time Express
Taste of Tokyo
Tulipe Noire Clothing
Umi Nami Farms
Vessel Liquor
Wholesome Suds Natural Handmade Soap
Yoshi Sushi
Yukari Peerless
Yuiko Hammer

 


With much thanks from the Japanese Cultural Fair Planning Team: Amy Kawano, Craig Mercer, Debbie Ibaraki, Donovan Aikman, Jo Brooks, JO Caragata, Kana Mercer, James Harada-Down, Kyle Armour, Lily Yee, Lorin Goshinmon, Marlene Howell, Maureen Bird, Patti Kagawa, Rebecca Barnard, Reyna Goshinmon, Susan Ikeda, Susan Kurushima, Tsugio Kurushima, Yukari Peerless, and Yumiko Mizuno.

2023 Obon Grave Washing a huge success!

The small buy mighty volunteers of the 2023 Grave Washing crew.

Thank you so much to all of the wonderful volunteers who were able to come and make this year’s Obon grave washing another amazing success. It was hot but the occasional cool breeze encouraged us to keep going. We had a great group of 15 volunteers clean all of the graves of early the Japanese pioneers and Japanese-Canadians buried in Ross Bay Cemetery. We had just enough flowers to ensure every grave got one. Arigatou gozaimashita!

2023 Obon Grave Washing, Sunday, August 13th at Ross Bay Cemetery

OBON in Victoria – SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2023

ROSS BAY CEMETERY – 1495 Fairfield Road, Victoria, B.C.

Ross Bay Cemetery Map showing Japanese Grave clusters.

Summer has arrived! And in this very busy season, we will be gathering to mark Obon and look forward to your participation in the day’s activities.

Continue reading 2023 Obon Grave Washing, Sunday, August 13th at Ross Bay Cemetery

Honouring Peace – Sunday, August 6th at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion

Join us on August 6th to celebrate peace, launch lanterns, and enjoy Japanese culture! Reserve a spot and get the map link here on Eventbrite.

Honouring Peace is a free, family friendly event that will be held outdoors at the beautiful Japanese-style Gorge Park Pavilion, on the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Each year, peace is celebrated and its importance remembered through music, poetry, dance and drumming that moves and inspires us.

Lantern-making will begin at 7:00 pm on the outdoor porch of the Pavilion (all materials provided), and an educational display will be available indoors. The program will begin at 7:30 pm and end with the launching of the lanterns in the Pavilion reflecting pools at 9 pm. Among the performers and presenters will be:

  • Elder Bear Sam, First Nation’s greetings
  • Tsugio Kurushima, Nikkei Society
  • Furusato Dancers
  • Uminari Taiko Drummers
  • Hanne Fair, flute
  • Raging Grannies
  • Gettin’ Higher Choir
  • Margaret Krawciw: “Children of the A-Bomb”

People are asked to bring lawn chairs or a blanket if possible; for others, seating will be provided. A donation bottle will be passed for those who would like to contribute to the cost of the event.

Honouring Peace is supported by the Greater Victoria Peace School (GVPS), with support from the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS), the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada (IPPNWC) and the Victoria Multifaith Society (VMS).

Adult Japanese Language & Culture Program (2023)

Adult Japanese Language & Culture Program

Co-offered By Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society & Japanese Friendship Society
Mieko Fedrau

The program is for adults who wish to start learning Japanese language and culture. It consists of eight 1.5 hour lessons with basic Japanese expressions, grammar, introduction to Japanese writing systems, and hands-on cultural experience in Shodō (calligraphy) and Chadō (the way of tea). It is a good introductory program for those who have no experience of learning Japanese and those who had some experience in the past and wish to refresh it. Through the language learning and hands-on activities, the participants will also be introduced to the essence of traditional Japanese culture.

Day & Time:  Sundays 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM, starting on September 17, 2023
(September 17, 24; October 15, 22, 29; November 5, 19, 26. There will be no lesson on October 1, 8 and November 17 due to statutory holiday weekends.)

Location:  Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion

# and duration of lessons:  8 lessons (90 min x8)

Max. # of participants:  18

Fees:  $120/person (material fees included)

Note:  VNCS or JFS members can receive a $20 discount from the respective organization by presenting a proof of registration.

Textbook:  Teacher-made handouts will be distributed in lieu of textbook.

Instructor:  Mieko Fedrau

Registration opens on Tuesday, August 1.  Go to the Esquimalt Recreation website and click the orange “Register Online” button, or call the Gorge Park Pavilion front desk at 250-412-8500.

Daikagura – Michiyo Kagami (Thursday, Aug. 3rd)


Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society presents
Daikagura performance by Michiyo Kagami

Thursday, August 3rd, 7:00pm
at the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA): https://www.ccpacanada.com/

Daikagura – a form of dance deriving from rituals performed by travelling priests between Ise Grand Shrine and Atsuta Shrine, who would travel to villages, crossroads, and other locations to help the locals by driving away evil spirits. Acrobatic feats and lion dances played a major role in these rituals.(Wikipedia)

Join us for an enchanting evening of Daikagura, traditional Japanese juggling and acrobatics and one of Japan’s most treasured and time-honored performing arts with a rich history spanning over 400 years.

Opening act: Minyo(Japanese folk music) performance by Rina and the Tohoku Minyo Band
Daikagura performance by Michiyo Kagami

Early bird ticket price ($15) in effect until July 23.
Regular ticket price: $20
Get your tickets at: https://bit.ly/daikagura

This event is sponsored by the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society and Arts Council Tokyo

Japan Fest 2023 (July 22)

Japan Fest – July 22

The Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society and Fudo Japanese Restaurant present Japan Fest 2023 on Saturday, July 22nd at the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. This summer matsuri will run from 2 – 5 pm in the courtyard outside of FUDO. Enjoy

  • Savoury Japanese food – Spicy Scallop rolls, Kabocha korokke and Wakame salad,
  • Cultural performances by Uminari Taiko, Furusato Dancers, Kenzen Karate, a Minyo band and the Soran Youth Dancers,
  • a Raffle,
  • Things Japanese table and
  • Kakigori (Snow cones)

Mark your calendar so that you don’t miss Japan Fest 2023!