Tonari Gumi Newsletter January 2026
- administration6102
- Jan 1
- 8 min read
Table of Contents
Happy New Year 2026 from Tonari Gumi
🎄Celebrating the 2025 Christmas Party at Creekside Community Centre🎄
Adrian’s Work Experience in Canada
Tonari Gumi Family Drop-In Christmas Party!
UBC Community Service Learning Students
🧹Winter Clean-Up Week Complete!🧹
Community Services Resource Information
Seniors Services Society of B.C. Podcast
January 27th, 2026 Tonari Gumi Life Seminar
Tonari Gumi Shopping Transportation Service
Tonari Gumi Home Support: Light Housekeeping in Japanese
Japanese Passport Renewal Changes
Outing: Tamio Wakayama Exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Tonari Gumi Social Club New Year Celebration
Happy New Year 2026 from Tonari Gumi
Hello everyone and Happy New Year!
As we step into this new year together, I want to express our deepest thanks to the community we serve, who inspire us to keep going with courage and compassion.
This has been a busy year for Tonari Gumi with members and our community friends enjoying our numerous programs and services. One of our highlights has been the TG Social Club, which hosted many successful activities, events, and excursions. These included an overnight trip to Salt Spring Island focused on exploring the history of Japanese Canadian pioneers, as well as a visit to our Executive Director’s farm near Mission, where participants gathered produce and participated in a delicious barbeque luncheon.
Additionally, TG served as a sponsor for the South Alberta Sugar Beet Tour this year. The tour was led by TG senior David Iwaasa, a native of Southern Alberta who previously guided the sugar beet tour in 2019.
Studies on senior wellness show that older men and widowers can experience considerable isolation and loneliness. To address this, the TG Men's Club began its activities this year, completing its first community project: constructing a rodent-proof, three-bin composting system for the Community Garden. The lively lunchtime gatherings are filled with laughter and positivity. Consider joining this club, or if you know an older adult who could benefit, encourage them to learn more about the program.
Our Annual Golf Tournament once again upheld its reputation for excellence by achieving fundraising targets through generous donations and active participation in Silent Auctions. Guests enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and ended the day with an outstanding buffet dinner. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers whose efforts were essential to the success of all our activities, including Crafts table sales, the Yaletown Sakura and Steveston festivals, the Fall Bazaar, and the Powell Street Festival. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your ongoing support.
Beyond securing grants, our fundraising efforts help Tonari Gumi offer a wide variety of services and programs that strengthen community bonds—especially among seniors—by encouraging shared experiences and social interaction. As we anticipate the coming year, we know it's important to address challenges carefully and stay adaptable in light of fewer available grants and reduced member donations. Many non-profits have had to greatly cut back on their staff and scale down their programs as a result. Even so, there is still strong demand for what we do, which means we may need to achieve more with less. We remain steadfast in our mission: making sure older adults in our community feel remembered, supported, and engaged rather than forgotten or isolated.
We approach this year with a sense of realism, but also with optimism and hope. We extend our sincere appreciation to all of our supporters for their continued commitment. Each contribution—whether financial, professional, or personal—is now more valuable than ever. Accordingly, we encourage TG members of all ages to consider volunteering. This opportunity is both meaningful and rewarding. Even a limited time commitment, such as assisting at our front desk to welcome visitors, would provide significant support.
We appreciate your continued support for our Tonari Gumi community. Entering the new year together, we remain committed to making a positive difference guided by the leadership of Executive Director Masako Arima, our new Programs and Operations Manager Betty Au, and their dedicated teams. With the ongoing commitment of our volunteers and board members, we will continue to serve and create meaningful impact within the Japanese community.
“Wishing you good health, happiness and prosperity in 2026!”
Makiko Suzuki
Chair, Board of Directors
🎄Celebrating the 2025 Christmas Party at Creekside Community Centre🎄
On December 5th, we held our 2025 Christmas Party at the Creekside Community Centre for the first time! It was wonderful to celebrate the season in a new space filled with warmth and festive cheer.
The event featured a lively performance by the Highs & Lows Choir, who delighted us with beautiful, vibrant songs. While some participants couldn’t resist the music and began dancing, many enjoyed the performance from their seats, smiling and tapping along.
We were also joined by a very special guest from the North Pole, Santa Adi! Santa handed out door prizes and gave out big hugs, bringing extra holiday cheer and smiles to the room.
It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, share laughter, and celebrate the holiday spirit. We had a wonderful time together and this first-time gathering at Creekside marked a memorable start to our festive celebrations.
Adrian’s Work Experience in Canada
Adrian came to Tonari Gumi in September as part of a work experience program. Having volunteered with us before, he continued to contribute with great energy and quickly became a valued member of our community.
Always positive, kind and eager to learn, Adrian’s attitude made a big difference to both our staff and volunteers. Thank you so much, Adrian, for all your time and support!
Tonari Gumi Family Drop-In Christmas Party!
On December 1st, we held a Christmas party for children aged 0–2 and their parents. The program included songs, rhythm play, movement activities, and simple dance, as well as a chance for the children to explore musical instruments—activities that families could enjoy together.
At the end of the party, Santa Claus handed out presents, and everyone enjoyed a warm and cheerful time.
Tonari Gumi’s Family Drop-In will continue to be held once a month next year. Updates and announcements will be shared through the Tonari Gumi LINE account.
UBC Community Service Learning Students
From September to December, we were happy to welcome Aki and Victor from the Community Service Learning program at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. They kindly supported our Meals on Wheels program, helped with meal delivery preparation and assisted with seminar assistance.
Their positive attitude and willingness to help were truly appreciated by our staff and volunteers. Thank you, Aki and Victor, for your time and dedication—we wish you all the best in your studies and future careers.
Starting in January 2026, we look forward to welcoming two more students through the same program.
🧹Winter Clean-Up Week Complete!🧹
A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers—Sachi, Ayako, Chiaki, Masao, Keita, and seven students from Yakushima, Japan, plus two staff from Cornerstone Community College—as well as our TG staff Adi and Tadafumi! Together, they helped make our facility sparkling and ready for the New Year. 🧹💖
Your hard work and positive energy truly made a difference. Thank you! 🙏
Community Services Resource Information
Seniors Services Society of B.C. Podcast
The Seniors Services Society of BC has introduced a brand new podcast “Seniors in Focus,” dedicated to shining a light on the issues that matter most to today’s seniors. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Carolyn Jack, each monthly episode brings thoughtful conversations, expert insights and practical tools to help navigate aging with dignity and support.
Their first episode: Financial Fraud and How Seniors Can Stay Safe, is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJRfGCPJz-Y
January 27th, 2026 Tonari Gumi Life Seminar
The Alzheimer Society of BC presents the last of its three-part seminar series:
Understanding Behaviour Changes, Along the Dementia Journey
The final segment of a three-part series on understanding dementia explores the various changes in behaviors caused by dementia and offers practical strategies for caregivers so that they can respond in a supportive manner.
This online seminar will be presented in English with Japanese support during Q&A.
Registration through the Tonari Gumi website.
The previous two seminars are also available through the Tonari Gumi YouTube channel.
Tonari Gumi Shopping Transportation Service
Would you like to go shopping with friends using Tonari Gumi’s “ridesharing” Shopping Transportation Service?
If you find shopping difficult or hesitate to carry heavy items or to buy in bulk, Tonari Gumi members may take advantage of our shopping transportation service. Rides will be provided in the Tonari Gumi van, which was acquired thanks to a grant by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. The cost is $5 per person to cover gas. For more information, please visit the Tonari Gumi website: tonarigumi.ca/services/shopping
Tonari Gumi Home Support: Light Housekeeping in Japanese
Do you know about Tonari Gumi’s Home Support Service (available in Japanese)? This service provides Light Housekeeping in Japanese, as well as friendly social visits. We are currently offering a special promotion: the first service is free, and the second and third services are offered at half price.
For details, please visit: tonarigumi.ca/services/home-support
If you are interested in volunteer-led peer groups such as the Caregivers Support Group, or in any of Tonari Gumi's services, please visit tonarigumi.ca/services
Japanese Passport Renewal Changes
The Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver has shared the following two important announcements. Please share this information with family members or relatives who hold Japanese citizenship, as needed.
1. Email Notifications for Upcoming Passport Expiry Dates
To help Japanese nationals living overseas renew their passports in a timely manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan launched a new service on September 13, which sends email notifications to individuals whose passport expiration date is approaching.
To use this service, individuals who submitted their Residence Registration (Zairyu Todoke) in paper form before September 13, 2025 must take one of the following actions:
Contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver to register or correct their passport number and expiration date, or
Submit a new Residence Registration online
▶ Online Residence Registration (ORR Net):
By submitting your Residence Registration online, you will also be able to complete passport and certificate-related procedures online. For this reason, switching to online Residence Registration is strongly recommended.
If you previously submitted a paper Residence Registration and later submit a new one online, it is possible to transfer the original acceptance date from the paper registration to the online registration. Those who wish to do so are asked to contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver.
In addition, individuals who have returned to Japan or moved outside the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver are requested to submit a “Return to Japan / Move-Out Notification” using the link below, or to notify the Consulate by email (consul@vc.mofa.go.jp), so that safety confirmation can be carried out smoothly in case of an emergency.
If there are any changes to your address or contact information (such as email address or phone number), please be sure to submit a “Change Notification.”
▶ Return / Move-Out Notification & Change Notification:
2. Online Passport Renewal (Switch Application) for Japanese Nationals Living Abroad
Since 2023, Japanese nationals living outside Japan can apply for passport renewal online by registering with the Online Residence Registration system (ORR Net).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website below provides access to:
A user guide pamphlet
Details about the online application process
▶ Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Online Passport Application (Overseas):
Outing: Tamio Wakayama Exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Join us for a special outing to see Tamio Wakayama’s exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.
You may gather at Tonari Gumi at 10:30 am and travel together, or meet us directly at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 11:00 am.
Gallery meeting point: Robson St × Howe St entrance.
The guided tour will begin at 11:00 am, led by Mayu Takasaki, Tamio Wakayama’s partner, along with Tadafumi Tamura, a Japanese guide for this exhibition, and TG staff. Participants will also have an opportunity to talk with Mayu and hear behind-the-scenes stories about his photos.
The tour will finish around 12:30 pm, followed by lunch at Bellaggio Café or another nearby restaurant.
Outing fee: $25 (group rate)Thanks to Mayu, we may be able to receive a slight discount.
Lunch: Not included. You may order anything you like at the restaurant, and payment will be your responsibility.
Registration deadline: January 15
For more information about the exhibition, please visit:
We look forward to enjoying this special art experience together!
Tonari Gumi Social Club New Year Celebration
📣Messages from the Community📣
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
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