Feb 7: On a frigid afternoon in Toronto, a good sized crowd gathered for the first public launch of the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs, eager to get their copies hot off the press. With cold weather and the Olympics offering plenty of reasons to stay home, the turnout was especially heartening.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with families, elders, and community members coming together to celebrate the release of this new children’s book. Sales exceeded expectations, reflecting both the enthusiasm for the book and the community’s desire to share it more widely. While created for children aged three and up, the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs is being recognized as more than a book for kids. Community members have described it as a keepsake, a learning tool, and a starting point for intergenerational conversations about history, identity, and belonging.
During the launch, board member and new parent Mari Galloway, who conceived the project, offered an inspired reading. Later in the afternoon, illustrator Mia Ohki—currently based in Ottawa—joined president Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi and members of the content creation team to discuss the challenge of distilling complex Japanese Canadian histories into a book for children aged three and up.
REMEMBERING KEN ADACHI A highlight of the event was the presence of Mary Adachi, the wife of Ken Adachi. She told artist Mia Ohki how moved she was by Mia’s illustration of Ken, and how beautifully she felt his likeness and spirit had been captured. Hearing this directly from Ken’s wife was deeply affirming for Mia. It was a touching moment for everyone present, reminding us of the care, respect, and responsibility involved in representing community history. Following the launch, Mary Adachi shared her appreciation for the warm welcome she received and expressed how honoured Ken would have felt to be included in the book. She described the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs as charming and meaningful, noting its importance in helping children connect with their Japanese ancestry. #japanesecanadian
5 months agotorontonajc
@japanesecanadianculturalcentre's Hina Matsuri is on Sunday, March 8 from 11-5 PM
5 months agotorontonajc
The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs will be on sale at our Hinamatsuri booth at the JCCC located in the heritage gallery. Feb 7: On a frigid afternoon in Toronto, a good sized crowd gathered for the first public launch of the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs, eager to get their copies hot off the press. With cold weather and the Olympics offering plenty of reasons to stay home, the turnout was especially heartening. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with families, elders, and community members coming together to celebrate the release of this new children’s book. Sales exceeded expectations, reflecting both the enthusiasm for the book and the community’s desire to share it more widely. While created for children aged three and up, the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs is being recognized as more than a book for kids. Community members have described it as a keepsake, a learning tool, and a starting point for intergenerational conversations about history, identity, and belonging. During the launch, board member and new parent Mari Galloway, who conceived the project, offered an inspired reading. Later in the afternoon, illustrator Mia Ohki—currently based in Ottawa—joined president Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi and members of the content creation team to discuss the challenge of distilling complex Japanese Canadian histories into a book for children aged three and up. REMEMBERING KEN ADACHI A highlight of the event was the presence of Mary Adachi, the wife of Ken Adachi. She told artist Mia Ohki how moved she was by Mia’s illustration of Ken, and how beautifully she felt his likeness and spirit had been captured. Hearing this directly from Ken’s wife was deeply affirming for Mia. It was a touching moment for everyone present, reminding us of the care, respect, and responsibility involved in representing community history. Following the launch, Mary Adachi shared her appreciation for the warm welcome she received and expressed how honoured Ken would have felt to be included in the book. She described the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs as charming and meaningful, noting its importance in helping children connect with their Japanese ancestry. #japanesecanadian
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