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NAJC_Toronto

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A proud legacy of Japanese Canadians working for justice, equity, and human rights in Canada.

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🏮 P is for Powell Street Festival! We’ll be there in 10 daysJoin us for From ABCs to Activism: How a Children’s Book Became a Primer on Japanese Canadian History.🗓️ Sunday, August 2⏰ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.📍 Vancouver Japanese Language School487 Alexander Street, 4th floorWhat began as a children’s alphabet book evolved into an intergenerational project exploring Japanese Canadian history, culture, identity, and activism. Each letter opens a doorway into Japanese Canadian life—from family stories and community traditions to the histories of dispossession, redress, and community building.Featuring artwork by Mia Ohki and Kellen Hatanaka, The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs reflects the creativity and diversity of Japanese Canadian voices.Artist Mia Ohki will join curator Kristofer Sakamoto-Marshall and content creators Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi and Mari Galloway to discuss the collaborative process behind the book.Can’t wait to see you around or at our presentation! ✨ Funded by the Japanese Canadian Legacies SocietyArtwork by @kellenhatanaka@powellstfest @jclegacies @japanesecanadianartist #powellstreetfestival by @torontonajc

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2 days ago

It has been seven years since we were last at the JCCC Natsu Matsuri! A lot has happened since then—COVID, many community activities, and our Kokoro Film Festival at the ROM, funded by @jclegacies.We’re delighted to be back this Saturday from 4–9 p.m., thanks to the @japanesecanadianculturalcentre 🙏 🙏 🙏 @jamsnetca, led by Kiyoshi Dembo, has come a long way over those seven years—and we both have a little more gray hair. 🩶Looking forward to seeing many of you at our booth near the Moriyama Nikkei Heritage Museum.Lynn Kobayashi, president. by @torontonajc

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20 days ago

You are invited to participate in the GREAT HAIKU PROJECT 🖋️✍️✨5 - 7 - 5 syllables expressing your sensations, thoughts, observations, emotions ... about being Japanese Canadian.If you send your haiku by email, indicate what city you live in. It's a community project (not a contest). Please invite your family and friends. Submit your haiku to ace@najc.ca by @torontonajc

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a month ago

🛒 Online sales now live — link in bio or www.torontonajc.ca/shopApril 14 marks the anniversary of the 1988 rally on Parliament Hill—a turning point in the Japanese Canadian Redress movement. Today, we’re proud to launch online sales of The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs in its honour. As early as 1985, Roger Obata had raised the idea of a national rally and coalition. By late 1987, with the campaign at an impasse, that vision became urgent: “By late 1987, the redress campaign had reached an impasse. The rally was one of two events held to generate momentum and took place on Parliament Hill on April 14, 1988. Obata recalled the rally’s genesis: while on a bus tour, he, Harold Hirose, and Mas Kawanami joked about a demonstration… This idea led to the rally organized by the Toronto NAJC. After its success, Obata was hopeful that something might finally be achieved.”With only months to prepare, the Toronto NAJC mobilized supporters and organized travel. David Murata was hired to support logistics and work with the Toronto NAJC, helping mobilize supporters from across Canada. The rally was a tremendous success, drawing more than 500 supporters—a defining turning point in the movement.The placards carried that day were handmade by the family of then-president Bill Kobayashi, father of current Toronto NAJC president Lynn Kobayashi. As Lynn recalls, her dad was usually behind the scenes—but sensing hesitation in the crowd, he stepped forward, becoming the central figure in the now-iconic rally image.📖 Text and image from The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs, illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka and produced by the Toronto NAJC. © Toronto NAJC. Rally info from Japanese Canadian Redress: The Toronto Story. All rights reserved. Photo caption: L–R: Roger Obata, Mas Kawanami, Bill Kobayashi, David Murakami. Photo courtesy John Flanders. We are grateful for funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.#japanesecanadian #japanesecanadianhistory #japanesecanadianredress #rogerobata by @torontonajc

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3 months ago

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 by @torontonajc

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5 months ago

💌 Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs — Public LaunchSaturday, February 7 | 1–4 pmTrinity Bellwoods Community Centre155 Shaw Street (just north of Queen St) 💵 $20 per book | Limited edition | In-person only 🛒 Online sales begin in April🔗 Registration link in bio — registering helps ensure a copy is set aside for youThe afternoon is designed with different audiences in mind: the earlier portion is especially family-friendly, with time to browse, mingle, and a short, informal storytime for children. The later portion features a longer presentation and conversation with artists @miaohki and @kellenhatanaka including a look at how the book came together and the intergenerational collaboration behind it.Created by an intergenerational team of artists, and community members, this joyful book introduces children—and curious adults—to the people, stories, and values that have shaped the Japanese Canadian community. Drop in anytime between 1–4 pm — stay for what works for your schedule.llustrations by @miaohki © @kellenhatanaka ©Book © Toronto NAJC.Images may be shared or reposted with credit via Instagram only; reproduction or reuse elsewhere is not permitted.#davidsuzuki #japanesecanadianhistory #abcbooks #japanesecanadian by @torontonajc

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6 months ago

B is for BOOK LAUNCH! We’re delighted to invite you to the official launch of the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs. This event marks the first public offering of the book. Until now, copies have only been shared through a small initial release—this will be the first opportunity for the wider community to purchase it. 📕 Book price: $20 (Limited edition print run)At this time, the book will be available for in-person purchase only at the launch. Online ordering and shipping options are still being worked out and will be shared later.We look forward to gathering in person to celebrate artists @kellenhatanaka and @miaohki along with the intergenerational content creation team led by board member—and new mom—Mari Galloway, who developed the original concept and vision for the book.🔗 Registration link in our bioMore event details are coming very soon. We hope you can join us.We are grateful for funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.Illustration by @miaohki © the artist.Book © Toronto NAJC.Image may be shared or reposted with credit via Instagram only; reproduction or reuse elsewhere is not permitted. by @torontonajc

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6 months ago

🌸 Something special is coming . . . Save-the-Date for the launch of the Japanese Canadian Book of ABCsSaturday, Feb 7 | 1–4 p.m.Trinity Bellwoods Community CentreFeaturing artists @kellenhatanaka and @miaohki in attendance and the content creation team. More details soon. We are grateful for funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.Illustration by @kellenhatanaka © the artist.Book © Toronto NAJC.Image may be shared or reposted with credit via Instagram only; reproduction or reuse elsewhere is not permitted. by @torontonajc

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🔗 Eventbrite registration link in bio🖼️Join us at United Contemporary for a curated tour of their current exhibition, Paradise. Yonsei artists, Mitchell Akiyama and Emma Nishimura, will take us through their collaborative body of work that explores their Japanese-Canadian families’ shared histories of internment during the Second World War.Exhibiting alongside Akiyama and Nishimura, Akira Yoshikawa will also speak about the influences of his family’s experiences during that time period on his upbringing and current artistic practice. Works by acclaimed painter, Norman Takeuchi, are also on exhibit and viewable as part of the tour.A Q and A and light refreshments will be provided after the tour, where community members and artists will have a chance to mingle, share stories, and connect.Dm for more details or ✉️ nextgen@torontonajc.ca by @torontonajc

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6 months ago

🔗 Eventbrite link in bio🥳Next Gen Renkei 2025 (Thurs. Dec. 11 at 7-11pm) : Join the Next Generation - Youth Council at Youthful Vengeance - Café & Gallery for an evening of inspiration, collaboration, and fun. Come early and enjoy live music by Camille Kiku Belair.Complimentary food and drinks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.✅Please RSVP via Eventbrite so that we can gauge how much food to purchase. Please dm me for more info. Thanks! by @torontonajc

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8 months ago

More than a sports story. The Toronto NAJC Tribute basketball game team, volunteers and players are attending this screening tomorrow. We have a pair of tickets to give away to the first person to email torontonajc@gmail.com We can hardly wait!Even if you don't get these tickets. You should go! by @torontonajc

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8 months ago

December 6–19, 2025Shintani Gallery • 700 Lansdowne Ave, TorontoOpening Night: December 6 • 6–9pmtoo late traces memory across three generations, searching for what was taken and what remains. Through photography, film, textiles, objects, and inherited stories, the artists move toward one another—repairing, remembering, refusing. A gathering of beauty in the unknown, and a return to a place we'll never truly know. by @torontonajc

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8 months ago