Tonari Gumi Newsletter July 2025
- administration6102
- Jun 30
- 9 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Table of Contents
Salt Spring Island
The Salt Spring Island tour, held on June 3rd and 4th, was a unique introduction to the charms of the island and the history of its Japanese settlers. Chuck Tasaka, as well as Mitch Hirano (another member of the Tasaka family), and members of the Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring Island such as Brian and Mana, offered knowledgeable commentary and interesting perspectives on sites such as the Japanese Canadian charcoal kilns, the Heiwa Japanese Peace Garden and the Japanese cemetery. This enriched the experience for all attendees.
The bus drivers on Salt Spring Island were awesome; professional and engaging tour guides who saved us from an hour-long traffic jam (who’d have thought?) by taking a back route known to long-time locals. They also shared with us that improvements to the road to the Mount Maxwell viewing point have just recently been completed. They were confident that their vans, partially run on recycled cooking oil, could make it up. From Mount Maxwell, a panorama of all the Gulf Islands can be seen. This is an idea for our next tour, as is scheduling the next trip to include a Saturday so participants can experience the exciting Salt Spring Saturday market that features many arts and crafts booths. A visit to the Wild Cider Place and commentary from our bus driver whet our appetite for a future foodie (and wine) gourmet tour.
Our hotel rooms were spacious and the meals were wonderful. Dinner was a prime rib buffet and breakfast the next morning included the best bacon (ever) from a local farm. There were always plenty of drinks and snacks on offer and the manager of the hotel met us at the Fulford Ferry terminal with gifts of individual thermal bags containing a drink and snack. True Salt Spring Island hospitality. Everyone is very much looking forward to the next trip!
New Book Donation: Island Forest Embers
We’re happy to share that Island Forest Embers, a book donated by Mana Nakata of the Japanese Garden Society of Salt Spring Island, is now available in the TG Library.
This insightful book includes:
Charcoal Kilns of the Southern Gulf Islands by Brian Smallshaw
Isaburo Tasaka’s Journey to Amerika by Chuck Tasaka
Japanese Charcoal Pit Kilns: History, Archaeology, and Anthropology by Steve Nemtin
It offers a rich look into lesser-known aspects of Japanese Canadian history and the legacy of charcoal making in the Gulf Islands.
Please stop by the TG Library to read it and deepen your knowledge of JC history!
Genki Gumi: A Touch of Seasons Through Art
At Genki-gumi, we offer a variety of programs such as exercise and crafts, tailored to the seasons and participants' interests. In June, the rainy season in Japan, we created a special craft: a calendar decorated with hydrangeas and little snails.
Participants enjoyed designing their own unique calendars, arranging hydrangea flowers however they liked and decorating them with adorable snails. It was heartwarming to see everyone working together and encouraging each other in the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere with volunteers lending a helping hand.
The smiles on everyone's faces as they held their finished calendars were bright enough to chase away the gloomy, rainy weather. We are already planning our next activity to help everyone enjoy the feeling of the season—please look forward to it!
June 24th Tonari Gumi Life Seminar
On June 24th, Tonari Gumi hosted a combined seminar and outing workshop titled “Exploring Public Transportation: Options for Living Without a Car” presented by the non-profit organization BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation).
After learning about TransLink’s system and fare structure, zone system, how to purchase and load a Compass Card, and how to check bus schedules via text message, etc., participants set off on a trip using public transit—including bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus—to Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver.
Led by the seminar facilitator, Gustavo, a total of 15 participants including staff and volunteers traveled together, transferring between buses and riding through parts of downtown Vancouver they don't often visit, such as Granville Street, before arriving in North Vancouver.
Participants used transit passes provided by the instructor for the outing and were also treated to refreshments at the market. One senior in the group fondly recalled the many times she visited the Quay Market in the past with her family. It was a nostalgic and enjoyable day for everyone.
This experience was a great reminder of the importance of becoming familiar with public transit and gaining confidence in using it as a reliable alternative to driving.
Summer Cooling at Tonari Gumi
The Tonari Gumi facility will be available as a cooling station during July and August. Even when programs are not in session, you are welcome to use the library or the 3rd-floor lounge. For information on other cooling centers within the City of Vancouver, please click here.
July Seminar: What is Dementia?
Hybrid presentation (In-person/Online)Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 1pm – 3 pmEnglish with Japanese Support
Learn how dementia affects the brain and behavior. Discover its types, progression, and common misconceptions.
This is the first of three-seminar series, presented by Alzheimer Society of BC.
The Life Seminar will take a break in August and restarts in September. Please check our website for an update!
Japanese Social Services (Toronto) July Programs
Japanese Social Services (JSS) is dedicated to supporting the Japanese Canadian and Japanese speaking communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, providing counselling and various support programs. For Information and July programs, please click here.
Thank you, Marauders!
Hockey team, Marauders, has been supporting Tonari Gumi over the years through their hockey pool, and we'd like to thank them for their recent gift and those who also donated their prizes to TG. Your contributions will help fund our seniors' programs and services.
May Tonari Gumi Member Outing Report
We took a double-decker public bus to White Rock on a beautiful day. The ride flew by as we enjoyed pleasant conversations along the way.
After arriving, we had a delicious lunch at a casual restaurant with very friendly staff. Next, we hopped on a local bus to the pier, where we could see the famous White Rock.
Walking to the end of the pier, we were treated to views of distant mountains and a refreshing ocean breeze — it was a truly relaxing and enjoyable time. We even heard that a few participants are already planning to return for another visit on their own!
Make a Difference: Volunteer Opportunities at Tonari Gumi!
We deeply appreciate all of our volunteers' contributions!
Tonari Gumi relies on the generosity of volunteers to keep our programs running smoothly. We have a variety of regular volunteer opportunities available, and we’d love for you to join us!
Regular Volunteer Opportunities:
Monday:
Bingo: Activity Assistant, 9:50 AM-12:40 PM
Kitchen Volunteer, 9 AM-12:00 PM
Tuesday:
Meals on Wheels (MOW): Lunch Delivery Volunteer, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Kitchen Volunteer & Dishwasher, 8:30 AM-11:30AM
Wednesday:
Genki Gumi: Activity Assistant Volunteer, 10:15 AM – 2:00 PM
Genki Gumi: Kitchen Volunteer & Dishwasher, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday:
TG Cafe:
Chatting Volunteer, 9:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Kitchen Dishwasher, 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Saturday:
Social Club: Activity Assistant & Kitchen Volunteer, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (every second Saturday of the month; subject to change)
Please join the team!
Treasure Hunt Team – We need volunteers with knowledge of antiques, art, and kimonos. Your tasks will include checking donations, selecting items, researching prices and details, and preparing for the event.
If you're interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please contact Rie at programs@tonarigumi.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!
Hi, I'm Betty Au – I'm Excited to be Part of the Tonari Gumi Community!
I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada when I was 10 years old. I studied Architectural Design at BCIT and completed my Bachelor’s degree at UBC. While studying, I worked part-time at a bank, which eventually led me into a full-time role and gave me valuable early management experience.
Wanting to explore the world and reconnect with my cultural roots, I joined the JET Programme and spent four unforgettable years in Japan. I lived in Moriguchi, Osaka — a place that still feels like my second home. After three years with the JET Programme, I spent an additional year working in a Japanese corporation, gaining even more insight into the culture and work environment.
When I returned to Canada, I was recruited by Daiso Canada and traveled back to Japan for a month of training before helping to open the very first Daiso store in North America. In 2023, I completed my Executive MBA at SFU, which helped deepen my leadership and strategic skills.
Since returning from Japan, I’ve stayed closely connected to the Japanese Canadian community through volunteer work. I especially enjoy spending time with seniors, children, and families — and I find so much meaning in building those relationships. Outside of work, I love travelling and being outdoors, enjoying the beautiful mountains and waters.
Tonari Gumi has grown so much in recent years, and I’m truly excited to contribute to its mission and support its continued success in the community.
Let’s Enjoy Japanese Movies
Day to Enjoy Japanese Movies
Why not enjoy watching movies in Japanese in a relaxed setting? (WITH English subtitles.)
We will be screening "Ruokala Lokki" directed by Naoko Ogigami (2006 film, running time 102 minutes). In a beautiful port town in Finland, a small diner called Kamome Shokudo, run by a woman named Sachie, sits quietly on a street corner. There, the mysterious stories of each character begin to unfold.
Let's laugh, cry, and enjoy films together with popcorn in hand!
No registration is required. (Participation fee: $2)
Feel free to drop by with your friends!
Records of Japanese Canadians in Maple Ridge
(July 17th, 2025 Thursday)
Join us as we trace the stories of Japanese Canadians in Maple Ridge.
We will visit the “Seiko-Udoku” exhibition at the CEED Centre and the Maple Ridge Museum.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with the local culture and history.
We look forward to your participation.
Please call or email us by July 9, Wednesday to register.
To register or for more information, please contact Mayumi at Tonari Gumi.
Phone: 604-687-2172 ext. 102
Email: office@tonarigumi.ca
Volunteer Call: Powell Street Festival 2025
The 2025 Powell Street Festival will take place on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 at Oppenheimer Park — a vibrant celebration of Japanese Canadian culture.
Tonari Gumi will once again host a Food Booth and a Community Booth featuring kimonos, crafts, and rummage items.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers to help with both preparation and festival-day activities. Whether you can help for a few hours or a full day, your support is warmly welcomed!
Planned food items include:
• Inari Sushi
• Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Noodles)
• Mochi Manju
• Plus a surprise new menu item!
📅 Volunteer Dates & Sample Tasks
July 28 (Mon) – July 31 (Thu)｜10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Work area setup, food prep, supply packing, transport
August 1 (Fri)｜9:00 AM–5:00 PM
At TG: Final prep and packing
At site: Booth setup and unloading
August 2 (Sat) & August 3 (Sun)｜8:00 AM–8:00 PM
At TG: Food production and transport
At site: Sales, setup, cleanup, return to TG
🕒 Flexible shifts available—let us know your availability!
📩 Volunteer sign-up form:
⏩ 2025 Powell Street Festival Volunteer Sign-Up Form
📝 If you’re not already registered as a Tonari Gumi volunteer, please complete the volunteer registration form as well.
💌 Volunteer Inquiries / お問い合わせ
📧 Email: programs@tonarigumi.ca
Tonari Gumi Social Club Special Event: Powell Street Festival & Tonari Gumi – Discover Japanese Canadian History
Join us on Saturday, July 5th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Tonari Gumi for a special TG Social Club event in collaboration with the Powell Street Festival Society.
We’ll take a look back at TG’s history through photos, enjoy a video about the Powell Street Festival, and watch the short film “Spirit of Nihonmachi” on Japanese Canadian history. A talkback session will follow.
Guests: Emi Morita & Mayu Takasaki
Lunch (Hiyashi Chuka – Cold Noodles) will be provided.
Fee: $15
Seats are limited – please register by July 3.
Registration: programs@tonarigumi.ca or 604-687-2172 ext. 106
Doors open at 10:45 AM. Everyone is welcome!
Tonari Gumi Charity Golf: Silent Auction Request
Tonari Gumi Family Cooking Event
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