Tonari Gumi Newsletter June 2025
- administration6102
- May 30
- 9 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Table of Contents
Tonari Gumi Community Services – Resource Hub and Lounge
Did you know that the third floor of the Tonari Gumi building has been transformed into a dedicated space for delivering community services?
Until last year, the third floor of the building was leased to tenants as a rental space.
The first floor serves as the main activity area, and the second floor—though small—houses a library packed with Japanese books. Back half of the second floor is called ”2R”, which doubles as a storage area and exercise room, and has been a main venue for many activities.
Thanks to a grant received at the end of last year from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, Tonari Gumi obtained approval from the City of Vancouver to repurpose the entire building (including the third floor) for non-profit use. Renovation began at the end of the fiscal year, and in May, the third floor was reborn as a space combining an information office focused on community services and a lounge where those in need of support can feel safe and comfortable. We offered a brief introduction and tour of this new space to our members during the Annual General Meeting.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped with the move into this space many years ago. Cherishing the solid foundation you have built, the Tonari Gumi team will continue working together to serve as a "reliable hub" for our ever-evolving community. Please stop by to see the space when you visit Tonari Gumi!
Exploring Steveston’s Japanese Roots — Walking Tour on May 17th
On Saturday, May 17th, Tonari Gumi members and friends joined a special Japanese Historical Walking Tour in Steveston. Although the day began with a light drizzle, the weather gradually improved.
The group traveled by bus from Tonari Gumi and the Nikkei Centre and gathered at the Kuno Japanese Garden to start the tour. We were fortunate to be guided by the knowledgeable Don and Shoko Mukai, who shared not only the history of Steveston’s key sites but also their personal experiences — including working at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and growing up in the community.
We enjoyed a comfortable lunch together at the Steveston Japanese Cultural Centre, where some brought homemade bento and others picked up local treats from the market. After quite a bit of walking, a few participants took the opportunity to relax at a nearby café, while others enjoyed browsing the shops during their free time.
It was a meaningful and enjoyable outing — a perfect blend of history, learning, and community spirit. Many thanks to Don and Shioko Mukai, our participants, and all who helped organize this memorable event!
Tonari Gumi AGM 2025
To all members of Tonari Gumi, thank you very much for your attendance and voting at the Annual General Meeting held on May 24th. The board of directors will have a total of 7 members this term:
Board of Directors, Chair: Makiko Suzuki Board of Directors, Vice Chair: Carol Yamamoto Board of Directors, Secretary: Ryan Kusuhara Board of Directors, Treasurer: Bea Jablonska Board of Directors, Makoto Inuzuka Board of Directors, Louvaine Kadonaga Board of Directors, Leslie Schroeder
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to our future together.
June Seminar Announcements:
(For details, please visit the Tonari Gumi website)
Public Transit Seminar (English and Japanese support available) Tuesday, June 24 | 1:00 – 3:30 pm Learn how to use public transportation and explore car-free lifestyle options. After the seminar, we will take a trip to the Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver.
What is dementia? (English and Japanese support available)
Tuesday, July 22 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm Learn how Dementia affects the brain and behavior. Discover its types, progression, and common misconceptions.
Thank You for the Kendama Donations!
We would like to thank A.S. and R.I. for their generous kendama donations.
As a traditional Japanese toy enjoyed by all ages, these will be used in future events and community activities.
We truly appreciate your support!
If you have any extra or unused kendama at home, please consider donating them to us
🎁 Wish List: We Need Your Support!
We're looking for the following items to support our programs and events:
📦 Storage –Plastic Containers (sturdy, with lids)
For Kimono: approx. 20 x 40 x 6.5–7 inches
For Crafts & Other Supplies: approx. 24 x 18 x 15.5 inches or 20 x 14 x 13 inches
🎶 Handbell Set – 26-tone sets for TG events
🍳 Nonstick Frying Pan – 15 inches, for our kitchen
🔴 Kendama – For events and programs
🐙 Electric Takoyaki Maker - Large, for Event Use
We would greatly appreciate your donation if you have a gently used item you no longer need!
Before bringing in your donation, please email us with the details and a photo of the item.
For inquiries or to arrange a donation, please contact us at: programs@tonarigumi.ca
Thank you for your generosity and support! ❤️
Staff Skill Training Held at Tonari Gumi
On May 30th, Tonari Gumi hosted a full-day Microsoft 365 training session for our staff, led by guest instructor Michael Ouchi. The training covered essential tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, as well as cloud-based platforms like OneDrive and SharePoint—all aimed at improving efficiency and digital skills.
In the afternoon, staff participated in hands-on activities that reflected real-life workflows, learning how to use Microsoft 365 tools more effectively in daily operations.
This training has helped our team enhance their technical skills so we can continue to provide reliable, accessible, and high-quality services to our community.
Volunteers Wanted for Powell Street Festival 2025!
Tonari Gumi will join the Powell Street Festival on August 2 & 3 at Oppenheimer Park! We're looking for volunteers to help with:
Food sales and prep
Community Booth (kimono, crafts, etc.)
Setup & cleanup
Sorting donations (June–July)
🎉 No experience needed—training provided (Kitchen)
👨👩👧👦 Please invite your family and grandchildren to join and support our community!
📞 604-687-2172 ext.106 (Rie)
Let’s enjoy the festival and make great memories together!
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:
• Ogojo (Baby, Toddler & Mom's Gathering): Activity Assistant Volunteer, 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM
• Bingo: Activity Assistant Volunteer, 9:50 AM – 12:40 PM
Tuesday:
• Meals on Wheels (MOW): Lunch Delivery Volunteer, @10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday:
• Genki Gumi: Activity Assistant Volunteer, 10:15 AM – 2:00 PM
• Genki Gumi: Kitchen Volunteer, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday:
TG Cafe:
• Chatting Volunteer, 9:45 AM – 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!
Adi Soltani Driver and Kitchen Coordinator
My name is Ardeshir (Adi) Soltani from Iran, been in Vancouver, Canada since 1995. I have an extensive sports background as a swimmer and water polo champion in Iran, competing in competitions in many different countries. I’ve owned many of my own food businesses since 1999, like a restaurants and fast food. Food is my passion, I always look at food as an art. I also like to work with my hands, and have many skills as a handyman and cook.
Back in 2023 I worked as a volunteer for Tonari Gumi, and I liked the environment and atmosphere. I’ve been working part-time since 2024 as a coordinator for driving, the kitchen, and building maintenance. Since I will be retiring from my food related businesses soon, I decided to join the Tonari Gumi family. The staff, volunteers and community are all very welcoming and friendly, and as a staff member I look forward to continuing to help contribute my skills and experience with all of you.
Let’s Enjoy Japanese Movies
Why not enjoy watching movies in Japanese in a relaxed setting? (There are NO English subtitles.)
We will be screening "Otokowa tsuraiyo" directed by Yoji Yamada. (1975 film, running time 90 minutes)
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!
NEW Program! Tonari Gumi Senior Walking Group
Enjoy the fresh air, get active, and enjoy some time with friends in the morning.
Tuesdays in June and July 2025
(8 sessions, excluding public holidays)
June: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th
July: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Meeting Time: 8:15 AM at Tonari Gumi
Stretching: From 8:20 AM
Walking Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Light Snack & Dismissal: Around 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
(Participants are free to leave after the snack)
Notes:
Please bring your own light snack and drink.
The event will be held rain or shine.
To prevent heatstroke, please wear a hat and stay hydrated.
Please register at Tonari Gumi
604-687-2172 (ext. 101), office@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 June 27. Registration: programs@tonarigumi.ca or 604-687-2172 ext. 106
Doors open at 10:45 AM. Everyone is welcome!
Evelyn Suzuki Obituary
Tonari Gumi Charity Golf
2025 Sugar Beet Wellness Tour
📣Messages from the Community📣
Ship for World Youth
The Ship for World Youth will bring together youth leaders from around the globe for a cultural immersion program that will travel by ship from Thailand to Japan. Through the generosity of the Government of Japan, 9 Canadian youth (8 Participating Youth and 1 National Leader) will be selected to participate in this fully-funded program. Program dates are from February 15th to March 13th, 2026.
The Ship for World Youth program serves as an opportunity for participating youth from various backgrounds to engage with different cultures and develop their communication, leadership, and management skills through discussions, cultural exchanges, and workshops. In addition, the program aims to establish a strong human network across national borders.
For more information, visit swycanada.org.
Tsudoi: Gathering Together - Bring Back the Heart
Join Us for a Transformative 3-Day Japanese Canadian Health and Wellness Gathering
📅 Fri, June 20 – Sun, June 22, 2025📍 Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby,
Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens' Association (GVJCCA) invites multigenerational and diverse Japanese Canadians to come together in a safe space for sharing, healing, and intergenerational learning. Through guidance, insights and dialogue with our guest speakers, Dr. Satsuki Ina, Mitch Miyagawa and Djuna Nagasaki, as well as empathy circles, and film screenings, we encourage deep conversations about identity, our intergenerational healing and wellness. Internment survivors and their families are encouraged to attend the event. Admission for JC survivors is free.
What to Expect:
🌿 Healing Circles for change: Guided by trained facilitators, participants will gather in reflective sharing and empathetic listening to support connections and well-being
🎶Healing Arts Circles: We support well-being through offering group art activities
🎭 Film Screening: Japanese Canadian stories brought to life on screen to inspire dialogue and reflection
🍽️ Community Meals: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, fostering meaningful connections through shared meals
This is a unique opportunity to strengthen the well-being of individuals, families and communities through shared storytelling, empathetic listening from the heart, and making meaningful connections.
Ticket Price: The deadline is June 6 (Fri) for registration.
Adults under 30, students & seniors (65+): $30
General Admission: $60
JC Survivors: Free
You can get your ticket here on the Eventbrite Website: https://tsudoi.eventbrite.ca/
The ticket includes:
📅 3-day admission to the event
🎤 Intergenerational teachings about JC trauma from Dr. Satsuki Ina, Mitch Miyagawa & Djuna Nagasaki
🍽️ Meals with snack breaks:
🍛 Friday: Refreshments
🥞 Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
🍵 Sunday: Breakfast and Lunch
💬 Facilitated empathy circles
🎭 Various activities and events
🎬 Film & documentary: "Tsunagu" (Lucy Komori, 2024), "In Our Grandparent’s Kitchen" (Djuna Nagasaki, 2024), "A Sorry State" (Mitch Miyakawa) screening
Conference Dates and Times:📅 Friday, June 20, 2025🕒 Start Time: 2:00 PM🕔 End Time: 6:30 PM
📅 Saturday, June 21, 2025🕒 Start Time: 8:30 AM🕔 End Time: 8:00 PM
📅 Sunday, June 22, 2025🕒 Start Time: 8:30 AM🕔 End Time: 12:00 PM
We have about 10 suites set aside for Tsudoi registrants at a special rate of CAD $269/night before taxes, at the Best Western Burnaby, which must be booked by May 26, 2025, to obtain this rate. You will need to arrange your own reservation and pay for your room. Please reach out to Kiyoko Hanazawa (kiyokohanazawa@gmail.com) if you have questions.
A detailed schedule, GVJCCA code of conduct, and questions about your preferences and accommodation needs will be sent to each participant after receiving your registration.
We look forward to gathering with you!
We gratefully acknowledge support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.
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