On Sunday, May 3^rd, under clear blue skies and almost summer-like temperatures, 26 members of Tonari Gumi and its Social Club (plus one staff member), travelled to the site of the former Tashme Internment Camp in Happy Valley just north of Hope, BC. There, they joined with nearly 100 other guests in the grand opening of the Tashme Museum’s most recent renovations and the unveiling of the museum’s new research and study area.

Tashme (a name derived from the first two letters of the names of the three commissioners of the BC Security Commission: TA for Taylor, SH for Shirras and ME for Meade) housed over 2600 internees of Japanese heritage and was the largest of the 10 formal internment camps established in BC. Tashme is also the nearest and most accessible of the internment camps to Vancouver. With funding assistance from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, the Tashme Museum hopes to become a destination where those interested in researching the history of Japanese Canadians between 1942 – 1949 can come and utilize the new resources and facilities that have been created.

Among those participating in the Tonari Gumi bus trip to Tashme were several whose family members had forcibly been relocated to the internment camp, starting from early 1942 until it closed in October of 1946. David Iwaasa’s great uncle on his mother’s side and his family were dispossessed of their farm in Langley and moved to Tashme in the Fall of 1942. When they first arrived, most of the shacks that were to house the people had not been built. Some of the internees and male family members who had originally been assigned to highway work camps were brought back and required to build their own homes in the middle of a farm field with no water or plumbing available. By the end of the first year, some 347 small wooden shacks (14’ x 24’) were hastily constructed using lumber milled on-site from the trees nearby. Each shack held up to 8 persons, often from more than one family. As one of the largest of the internment camps, Tashme became a self-contained town with its own post office, a hospital, a shoe repair shop, a power plant, a bakery, a meat market and other shops, including their own miso and shoyu factory.

Other members of the TG group were post-war immigrants from Japan who had joined the tour to learn firsthand what the wartime Japanese Canadians had to endure in the camps. Makoto Inuzuka who had experienced life in war-torn Japan was impressed at how well-dressed the Japanese Canadians seemed to be in the Tashme pictures. The camps were crowded and their homes, farms and boats had been taken from them, but the Japanese Canadians at least seemed well fed and had worked hard to try to make the best of a bad situation. The beautiful weather on Sunday highlighted why the area is now a resort and recreational area, but pictures of roof-high snow in the winter and the remote location of the camp underlined why only one RCMP officer was required to maintain order and ensure no one escaped. The point was made, “where could they go?”

Tonari Gumi AGM 2026 Report

Record Participation and Looking Toward Tonari Gumi’s Future

On Saturday, May 23, Tonari Gumi held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year’s AGM was especially meaningful, with a record level of participation and interest from members, including 48 members attending in person and 84 submitted proxy votes.

Many longtime senior members who have supported Tonari Gumi over the years attended the meeting, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was also a wonderful opportunity for members to reconnect with one another, reminding us once again that Tonari Gumi continues to serve as an important place of connection and belonging within our community.

During the AGM, members reviewed and approved the 2025 activity reports, financial statements and future organizational directions. In 2025, Tonari Gumi continued to provide a wide range of programs and services to support the community, including the following:

• Nutritional support and social connection opportunities for seniors through Meals on Wheels and Social Meals programs.

Through our collaboration with Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, operated by Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society, we significantly expanded the Japanese meal delivery service area. This partnership has allowed us to provide affordable Japanese meals delivered directly to seniors’ homes across a wider region. Currently, we deliver an average of approximately 120 meals per week.

• Health promotion, purpose-building and isolation prevention through Therapeutic Activation Programs (TAPS).

Through partnerships with Satellite Genki Gumi groups and Genki Lounge programs, Tonari Gumi is now collaborating with five different communities and regions.

• Promotion of community participation and mutual support through volunteer development and peer support activities.

• Community navigation and caregiver support services that help seniors and families connect with the support they need.

When necessary, staff also provide home visits and light housekeeping support.

• Opportunities for friendship, cultural exchange and community connection through Social Club activities.

Regular gatherings, outings, learning opportunities and social activities continue to create an important sense of belonging for many participants.

• Heritage visits and cultural exchange trips that help preserve and pass on Japanese Canadian history, culture and identity to future generations.

• Intergenerational and cultural programs that strengthen community connection, volunteerism and cultural heritage preservation.

This past year was also an important period of preparation for Tonari Gumi’s future, including building renovations and the expansion of new programs and services. Moving forward, Tonari Gumi will continue working toward creating a welcoming space for multiple generations while strengthening efforts to preserve and pass on

Japanese culture and community connections to future generations.

This year marks Tonari Gumi’s 52nd anniversary. While communities continue to evolve over time, the values of mutual support, connection and belonging remain at the heart of Tonari Gumi’s mission.

Thank you sincerely to everyone for your continued support of Tonari Gumi.

Kaiwo Maru Visit

Tonari Gumi participated in the “Kaiwo Maru Visit (Ships to Shore Festival)” held on May 2 and 3 at Garry Point Park in Steveston.

Surrounded by blue skies and the beautiful ocean, the event welcomed a large number of visitors. With the majestic tall ship Kaiwo Maru as a stunning backdrop, the festival created a vibrant and lively atmosphere for the entire community.

During the two-day event, Tonari Gumi hosted a variety of activities, including a Children’s Day-themed koinobori (carp streamer) origami workshop, a display and sale of handmade crafts created by our senior participants and the introduction and sale of our original Tonari Gumi cookbook. A total of 13 volunteers supported these activities, helping create a meaningful space for intergenerational connection.

The koinobori origami booth was especially popular, with many children participating with smiles and curiosity, enjoying a hands-on experience of Japanese culture. At the senior craft booth, beautifully handmade items drew the attention of many visitors, fostering warm and engaging interactions.

Spending time by the ocean, away from the routines of daily life, made these two days truly special for both participants and volunteers. Watching the breathtaking Kaiwo Maru while feeling the sea breeze reminded us of the importance of community connection and shared experiences.

We also appreciate the City of Richmond for its excellent planning and organization of this event. Their thoughtful coordination and support made it possible for us to participate smoothly and comfortably.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and everyone involved who made this meaningful experience possible.

Spring Outing: Central Park Walking & Crystal Mall Lunch

On April 29, we held our “Central Park Walking & Crystal Mall Lunch” outing. Participants enjoyed a relaxing walk through Central Park, taking in the pond, ducks and beautiful spring blossoms. Breathing in the fresh air and chatting along the flat walking paths, everyone had a wonderful time together in the lovely weather.

Central Park also has a variety of outdoor exercise equipment and participants enjoyed trying them out together while getting some light exercise and having fun.

After the walk, we headed to Crystal Mall for lunch at the food court. The food court felt almost like a busy Chinatown, full of energy and delicious aromas and many participants had a hard time deciding what to order because everything looked so tasty! Afterwards, we explored some newly opened shops and the market. There were Asian snacks, unique electronics and products with amusing Japanese-like packaging, which made many people laugh and say, “It doesn’t even feel like Canada!”

Thank you very much to everyone who joined us.

Spring Outing to Ladner and Westham Island

On May 11, TG members enjoyed a wonderful spring outing to Ladner. Our first stop was Westham Island Herb Farm, where we were warmly welcomed by the staff. Everyone enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, fresh air and beautiful scenery around the farm. Participants explored the herb gardens, fresh flower displays and market filled with fresh produce and plants. The farm animals were also a highlight of the visit, especially the friendly goats and various kinds of chickens that brought many smiles to everyone.

Although many of the participants have lived in the Vancouver area for many years, this was their first visit to Westham Island and Ladner. Many people commented on how surprised they were to discover such a peaceful and beautiful place so close to the city.

After the farm visit, we enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Sharkey's Seafood Bar & Grille beside the river. Participants enjoyed good food and pleasant conversations while taking in the lovely waterfront view.

In the afternoon, the group visited Ladner Harbour Park for a short nature walk. The sunny weather and calm surroundings made for a refreshing and enjoyable afternoon before returning home safely to Burnaby and Vancouver.

It was a relaxing and cheerful outing filled with fresh air, beautiful scenery and wonderful company.

2R Renovation Update – May 2026

Our renovation is almost complete! The walls and much of the hardware have now been installed and the flooring will soon be finished as well. Once the renovation wraps up, we’ll begin installing shelving in the storage area and will need a few days to move everything currently on the exercise floor into storage. We’re happy to share that the project is still on schedule for completion by mid-June.

Volunteer Call: Powell Street Festival

We are currently recruiting volunteers for the Powell Street Festival, taking place on August 1st and 2nd.We truly need your support again this year!

If you are interested in joining us, please complete the volunteer registration form.

We will begin enhanced volunteer training and orientation sessions starting in June.

Please register first using the link below.

Volunteer opportunities are available for the following periods:

Last week of July: Festival preparation
August 1–2: Festival days (2 days)
August 4–7: Clean-up after the festival

If you know anyone—friends, family, or acquaintances—who may be interested in volunteering for this year’s 50th anniversary Powell Street Festival, please feel free to refer them to us.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/tKwqd83NEJ8641e49

We will share further details as they are confirmed.

Call for Kimono and Yukata Donations for Powell Street Festival

As we are currently undergoing renovations, we will resume accepting donations starting June 15 for kimono, yukata, geta, zori and other traditional Japanese clothing and accessories to be sold at the Powell Street Festival.

If you have any gently used items at home, we would greatly appreciate your donation.

We look forward to your generous support.

Community Services Resource Information

Tonari Gumi Advance Care Planning Japanese Workshop “ Let’s talk about your health care wishes”

This two-part workshop focusses on individual wishes and future health care planning.

What makes you happy?

What is important to you? Who will speak for you when you can’t? Small group setting allows you to speak freely and help realize your wishes and needs.

• Group 1: 1^st session - Tuesday, Jun 23, 2^nd session - Aug 11

• Group 2: 1^st session - Tuesday, Jun 30, 2^nd session - Aug 18

For workshop detail and registration, please visit: https://www.tonarigumi.ca/services/life-seminar

Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) - Application

Starting June 1, CDCP will become available to allow all middle-income households without private insurance. Online applications for the 2026 program open on June 2.

For more information of eligibility requirements and how to apply:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html#apply-online

June 14^th Walk of Ages by Seniors Services Society of BC

The Seniors Services Society of BC is hosing its 3^rd annual Walk of Ages, a vibrant community fundraiser dedicated to supporting vulnerable seniors ensuring they never face homelessness alone. The walk take place on Sunday 14 at Mercer Stadium & Track (900 Sixth Street, New Westminster).

For registration information, go to: https://www.seniorsservicessociety.ca/events/

Online Application for “My Number Cards” for Japanese Individuals Living Overseas Begins (from May 26)

The Japanese “My Number Card” is Japan’s national ID smart card linked to the country’s “My Number” system, which is like a social security or tax identification system. It is issued by the Japanese government and contains an IC chip plus the holder’s photo, name, address and personal identification information.

Recently, Japan expanded eligibility so Japanese citizens living overseas can also apply for and use a My Number Card for certain administrative and online services.

Common uses of the My Number Card include:

• Official identification: It can be used as a government-issued photo ID for identity verification in Japan.

• Health insurance card: The card can function as a health insurance card at hospitals and pharmacies in Japan.

• Tax and pension procedures: It is used for tax filing, social security, pension and other administrative procedures in Japan

• Online government services: The IC chip allows secure login and electronic signatures for online government applications and certificates.

• Convenience store certificate printing: Residents in Japan can often print official documents such as residence certificates or tax certificates at convenience stores.

• Private-sector services: Some banks, mobile phone companies and other services use it for identity verification in Japan.

May 26 of this year marked the start of online applications for My Number Cards for Japanese individuals residing overseas.

For application details:

https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/apprec/abroad/

Have you heard of Oak Tree Club (Japanese)?

This is an online peer support and social group where families raising children with developmental disabilities, or children who may have developmental disabilities, can safely share their thoughts and experiences with one another.

With funding support from the Frank H. Hori Charitable Foundation, we will be offering a variety of in-person and online activities over the coming year. As our first event, we are pleased to host an in-person lunch gathering. If you are interested, please visit the Tonari Gumi website, read the details under “Support Activity List 3,” and register using the registration button.

https://www.tonarigumi.ca/services/peer-support

Date & Time: Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Tonari Gumi

Guest Speaker: Chigusa Burns

Vancouver Japanese Developmental Disabilities Family Support Group “Twinkle Stars”

TG Golf

https://www.tonarigumi.ca/tg-golf-2026

https://www.tonarigumi.ca/tg-golf-2026

Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall Historic Powell Street Walking Tours

Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) is currently offering Historic Powell Street Walking Tours from May through September 2026. Guided by knowledgeable tour leaders, participants can explore generations of Japanese Canadian history in Vancouver’s historic Powell Street neighbourhood, once home to more than 8,000 Japanese Canadians before World War II.

The walking tour begins at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall, a National Historic Site located at 487 Alexander Street and takes visitors through important historical locations in the area. Tours are held on select Sundays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with private group bookings also available throughout the week.

Tickets are $15 plus fees.

For more information and tickets, please visit the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall website.

TG Day Trip to Squamish & Sea to Sky Gondola

Join us on Tuesday, June 16 for a one-day bus tour to Squamish and the Sea to Sky Gondola! Enjoy beautiful ocean and mountain scenery while visiting Porteau Cove, Shannon Falls, and the Sea to Sky Gondola. Participants will also have time to enjoy lunch and walk or hike along the Spirit Trail.

Schedule:

• 7:30 AM — Meet at Royal Oak Station

• 7:40 AM — Depart from Royal Oak Station

• 8:15 AM — Meet at Tonari Gumi (42 W 8th Ave., Vancouver)

• 8:30 AM — Depart from Tonari Gumi

• 9:30–10:00 AM — Porteau Cove Provincial Park

• 10:15–11:00 AM — Shannon Falls Provincial Park

• 11:15 AM–1:45 PM — Sea to Sky Gondola (Lunch & Spirit Trail Walk/Hike)

• 3:00 PM — Depart Squamish

• 4:15–4:30 PM — Return to Tonari Gumi

• 4:50–5:00 PM — Arrive at Royal Oak Station

Transportation Fee:

• TG Members: $25

• Non-members: $35

Seats are limited. Priority registration will be given to TG members. Non-members are welcome if space is available.

Registration Deadline: June 7

Sea to Sky Gondola Admission (approximate):

※Group rates apply for groups of 15 people or more.

• Adult (19–64): $65.48 (Group rate $62.36 + 5% GST)

• Senior (65+): $61.28 (Group rate $58.36 + 5% GST)

Please note that lunch is not included, and participants will need to purchase their own lunch separately.

Registration:

https://forms.gle/pxY8fnqjg1s6BYJc6

or by phone at 604-687-2172 ext. 106.

We hope you can join us for this fun summer outing!

Messages from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society

Japanese Canadian Monument

This October, a new monument in Victoria will honour nearly 22,000 Japanese Canadians uprooted from the west coast during the 1940s, along with over 3,000 children born during that time. The centrepiece will be a 300-foot Wall of Names, reconnecting families to the communities they were forced to leave in 1942.

Livestream — Saturday, October 3, 2026

The opening ceremony will be livestreamed nationwide so people can take part from anywhere. The site opens to the public following the ceremony, with guided tours running October 4–7. A link to the livestream will be shared in September on the JC Legacies website and newsletter along with a reservation system for tours of the Monument.

Kansha 感謝 (gratitude)

Deep gratitude to all who have contributed to making this permanent site of pilgrimage a reality – a place to remember the cost of injustice and celebrate the enduring power of resilience.

Contact us: opening@jclegacies.com

For the full article, please visit https://jclegacies.com/japanese-canadian-monument-fall-2026/

*Installation of first granite panel. Members of Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, Ministry of Attorney General MARB, Ministry of Infrastructure Real Property Division, Chandos Construction.*

2026 Save the Dates

The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) works to preserve and share the history of Japanese Canadians in British Columbia — honouring the pre-war communities that thrived here and bearing witness to the injustices they endured during and after the war.

The BC Heritage Sites Program funds interpretive projects, restorations and signage at historically significant locations across the province — from coastal fishing and farming communities to interior internment sites.

Legacy Community Projects create tangible, lasting, meaningful works that tells the full story of the pre-war, wartime and postwar Japanese Canadian experience, leaving a permanent record for generations to come.

Survivors, Descendants and their families are warmly welcomed at all events, as is anyone with an interest in this important chapter of BC’s history.

All event opening dates are published at https://jclegacies.com/save-the-dates/ and will continue to be updated as official dates are finalized.

Thank you for your support!

The Japanese Community Volunteers Association, “Tonari Gumi” gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following people for their generous donations in April 2026. Although we tried our best to include all of your donations, there is a chance we have missed your name. Please contact us and we will make the correction.

Monetary Donations

Brian & Hitomi Nasu, Hisako Tanaka, Gordon Shimizu, Fumiko Woloshyn, Yoshiko Saito, Seizaburo & Keiko Kobayashi, Hiroko Suenaga, Zenji Okada, Huei Chern Wei, Anonymous

In Memory of Michiko Asaoka (Online Donation)

Wim Froyman, Gary Wong, Michael Oikawa, Patricia Jang, Jeffrey Lui, Michelle Lui, Lorne Yip, Allan Low, Edward Wong, John Kamitakahara, Josephine Nadiger, Eugene Wong, Anonymous

In Honour of Arthur & Shizue Hara (Online Donation)

Anonymous

Monetary Donations (Online Donation)