Kevin Okabe, CPA, CA, CISA, CGEIT Project Manager, Capacity Building Initiative
Kevin is a 2nd/4th Generation Japanese Canadian based in Kananaskis, Alberta. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant by designation and holds two professional Information Technology certifications. He has been the Executive Director of the National Association of Japanese Canadians for the past five years, after a 10-year career as Chief Operating Officer of MSH International and spending 15 years as a consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton. Kevin has been with involved with the Japanese Canadian community for over 37 years either at a local or national level, serving in various roles over the years, such as President, Treasurer, Strategic Planning Coordinator and Youth Representative.
Kevin hopes to leverage his experience by supporting the evolution of the Capacity Building Initiative and building collaboration amongst member organizations and individuals. A strong believer in the concept of synergy, he hopes that his background in providing consulting services will facilitate innovation and a new way of thinking for Japanese Canadian organizations moving forward.
Sayuri Toma – National Administrator
Sayuri was born and raised in Okinawa. After graduating from a college, she moved to Tokyo and worked as a programmer for about 5 years. She then spent time in Calgary, Kelowna, and Vancouver, as a language student. Then she back to her hometown, she worked as a web designer and website administrator for about 6 years. In 2012, she moved to Calgary, where she currently serves as the administrator for both NAJC (National Association of Japanese Canadians) and CJCA (Calgary Japanese Community Association). She has been a member of the Calgary Okinawan Club since her immigration and has been a board member since 2020, initially serving as treasurer and currently as vice-president. Her hobbies include paddleboarding and playing the Okinawan sanshin.
As the Administrator of the Capacity Building Initiative, Sayuri is pleased to be able to bridge the gap between Japanese Canadians and new immigrants. She hopes that through this project, communication among Japanese Canadians living in Canada will expand, and the organization will become stronger.
Julia Yamaguchi – Project Administrator
Julia is a bilingual professional, born in Tokyo to a Japanese father and an American mother. Her childhood involved frequent travels between Japan and the United States, enriching her understanding of different cultures and languages and shaping her into the person she is today. In 2020, she moved to Calgary, Alberta, marking her third year in Canada. Julia’s academic journey at Gakushuin University, an institution also attended by Princess Aiko, further developed her cultural insights. An athlete at heart, Julia played golf and lacrosse during her high school and university years, demonstrating her dedication and teamwork. Her hobbies, which include playing the piano, hiking, and traveling, reflect her diverse interests and her enthusiasm for exploring new adventures.
As Project Administrator for the Capacity Building Initiative, Julia uses her bilingualism and understanding of Japanese and Canadian cultures to bridge the gap between Japanese Canadian communities and new immigrants. She’s focused on enhancing communication and fostering a supportive, integrated community. Her goal is to drive collaboration and cultural exchange, boosting the initiative’s success.