80TH ANNIVERSARY OF INTERNMENT REUNION AND LUNCHEON.

We were inspired to reach out to as many past and present Japanese Canadian survivors who have a connection to Nikkei Place. Many of these seniors have a range of reduced mobility, health issues and some with limited resources such as those at Nikkei Home. Some of these survivors are facing financial hardship and the lack of social connections with other seniors especially in these COVID-19 times. We have identified many Japanese Canadian seniors and survivors from the past & present NNMCC Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of NNMCC; residents of the Robert Nimi Nikkei Home and New Sakura-so; and have identified many Japanese Canadian seniors & survivors from our past & present Auxiliary volunteer list and those living in the community who have or had association with the Nikkei Centre.

We realize that many of these Japanese Canadian survivors & seniors will benefit in both health and wellness from a luncheon with other fellow Nikkei, many who knew each other from the past. By providing them with something to look forward to, getting them out of their homes or care homes to enjoy a traditional Japanese “obento”, enjoy some jazz music of the times, connect and re-connect with past & present friends and others socially with the feel of belonging to our close-knit community will have a direct impact on their health and well-being especially in September 2022 when hopefully COVID-19 will be safe for everyone.

We plan to have Sharon Minemoto Jazz quartet providing some entertainment for the guests. A professional photographer, Manto Nakamura will be visiting with many survivors at their tables to record a bit of their history and take photos which will be shared with the Nikkei National Museum. After being isolated for close to 2 years because of COVID-19, this luncheon will be a highlight event for the survivor’s.

• Listing ID: 1538
• Primary Applicant: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
• Event or Completion Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
• Approved Amount: $10,000
• Location: Burnaby, BC