JCCC Year-Long "Japanese American Experience in Hawaii" March 6, 2009

Toronto’s Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre turns the spotlight on the Japanese American Experience in Hawai’i

Feature events include nikkeiFlix documentary films series, Hula for Health, Nostalgia Night, Speaker Series and World Famous Hawaiian favourites Makaha Sons

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s (JCCC) Heritage Committee has planned a cultural cornucopia of activities to showcase the Japanese American experience in Hawai’i.

“The experiences of Japanese immigrants have been uniquely shaped by the people, environment, culture and historical events of the countries in which they have settled. In Canada, our varied geography, regional differences, cultural mosaic and events like the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII have had a profound impact on shaping the Japanese Canadian experience,” said Ken Noma, Chair of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Heritage Committee. “In the United States, similar influences existed but there were also very significant differences especially among those who settled on the mainland versus those in Hawai’i who would soon form the second largest group in Hawai’i. Some of this group would eventually made their way to Canada.”
“Here at the JCCC, we feel it is important to share and celebrate with Torontonians what has shaped the Japanese Canadian experience over the past five generations and how much of an influence this great country has had on the Japanese immigrant,” said James Heron, Executive Director of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. “As part of our own self exploration, we want to reach out to and share the experiences, similar and different, that Japanese immigrants have had in other countries and be able to share that with our members and the community at large.”

Already showing at the Woodstock Art Gallery, Play Misty: the paintings of Kazuo Hamasaki kicks-off the year. Recently donated to the JCCC, this collection of the Sumi-e master includes landscapes and still life paintings and drawings. The exhibition runs until April 4, 2009.

On Friday, March 27, the JCCC Heritage Speaker Series features a fourth generation Nikkei (Japanese) from Hawai’i, Tane Akamatsu will share her family’s experiences beginning with her ancestral home of Hiroshima. Reflecting her cultural voyage, Tane speaks English, Japanese and Pidgin (the Hawaiian Creole dialect), and knows American Sign Language. Educated at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and the University of Rochester, she now works as a psychologist for the Toronto District School Board. Tane is a member of the Katari Storytellers Group, specializing in ghost stories from Japan and Hawaii. Admission is free, reservations are recommended.

Debuting on Saturday March 28, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s nikkeiFlix Documentary Series will explore Nikkei history, issues and culture. The monthly series begins with a documentary called, Caught in Between, an absorbing film showing how Japanese Americans came together with Muslim Americans to help them fight racism and civil rights abuses after the 9/11 tragedy. It is an example of the films that will be shown in the centre program, all written, produced and directed by Japanese Canadians and Japanese Americans. The first film coincides with International Day Against Racism. Each film will be introduced by Mel Tsuji, chair of the nikkeiFLIX committee.

Beginning on Thursday May 7 at 7:00 pm the eight week session of Hula for Health will heighten the appreciation for the purely Hawaiian dance style. Taught by Kumu (Hula teacher) Melilia Uriarte of Toronto’s The Hawaiian Pacific Magic Halau, this fun way to get fit is open to all ages. Cost is $35.00 for 8 sessions.

The annual JCCC Nostalgia Night on Saturday, June 20, will include Japanese –influenced Hawaiian food such as Spam Musubi, and hula dancing and displays.

Finally, as part of their world tour – An evening of Aloha, Hawaiian favourite Makaha Sons will perform one concert each day on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. For over 30 years, the Makaha Sons have performed traditional Hawaiian music throughout Hawai’i and the world. Tickets are $35.00 and will be available at the JCCC reception in April. To see highlights of their previous performances, visit www.makahasons.com.

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre is located at 6 Garamond Court, (Don Mills and Eglinton – north of the Ontario Science Centre). For more information, schedules and tickets on all activities and programs visit www.jccc.on.ca, www.jccc.on.ca/heritage/hevents.htm or call 416-441-2345.

Contact: Paul Tyler, pt@goldfenixcom.ca, 416-254-0698 or Victoria Ollers, vo@goldfenixcom.ca, 416-822-2288

Official Website: http://www.jccc.on.ca