Asian Hockey Tournament As the temperature soared into the high 20s this past Victoria Day, over 300 Asian Canadians of all ages took part in the iconic Canadian past time of ice hockey. Now in its 23rd year, the Asian Canadian Hockey Tournament, held on the grounds of York University, fielded 32 men’s teams, four...Continue reading
Category: President’s Message
May 2012
Traditionally, the Japanese Canadian internment is dealt with in the World War II unit of study which is about two weeks in duration. Given the time restriction, the Internment is given about one class period – two at the most. Continue reading
April, 2012
I have been waved away by a Japan Rail attendant at Tokyo Station when I asked directions to the exit or given a sarcastic answer from a clerk who thought that I was mentally challenged. I am sure they thought, ‘you’re Japanese, why are you asking such childish questions?”. Continue reading
March 2012
I learned about Tonari Gumi through Takeo Yamashiro who was the shakuhachi performer with the troupe. During the stop-over in Vancouver, I visited Tonari Gumi and was impressed by their outreach programs. Continue reading
January 2012
Currently, the NAJC is finalizing the Kansai tour itinerary that will take in the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Hiroshima. Continue reading
December 2011
Like the iconic Japanese song of immigrants, Watari Dori (Birds of Passage), we are all transients looking for a place to alight and to call home. Fortunately, I have returned to Japan numerous times, but the Japan of my youth has long disappeared . . .Continue reading
November 2011
The mostly Nisei volunteers reminded me of the small number of dedicated people who put in long hours to ensure the survival of Nikkei communities across Canada. Continue reading
October, 2011
In late August, the National Executive Board (NEB) met to review programmes; prepare for the upcoming October AGM in Edmonton; and to set the 2012-2013 budget. The global recession and the volatile economic market is a daily concern to all of us. For volunteer organizations such as the NAJC, the financial situation has become acute. Since 2008, there has been a significant annual decline in the interest income generated by our sustaining fund. We depend on the annual income to cover our administrative costs as well as monies for the National Development Fund; SEAD and CD grants. The proposed budget that will be submitted in October to the NAJC membership reflects the anticipated lower rate of return. As a result, we have cut back on administrative expenditures in order to prevent taking away larger sums of money from standing committee programmes and public grants.Continue reading
September 2011
I have in my possession my maternal Grandfather’s ‘mon-tsuki ‘ - a kimono bearing the ‘maru no tachibana’ family crest of a single orange blossom within a circle. The black silk kimono is quite worn and bears the faint pencil marks made by a relative who, at one time, was thinking of cutting it up to make silk handkerchiefs. Luckily it was rescued in time by my parents! I believe that this inanimate object possess a ‘mana’ or life energy and is a tangible ‘footprint’ of my grandfather’s existence on earth. It is a permanent bridge to my childhood in Kagoshima. We all leave behind such residual spiritual traces of our short time on this earth. Continue reading