Tonari Gumi Newsletter November 2025
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- 5 days ago
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Table of Contents
Okinawa Shamisen Mini Concert
On October 17th, we welcomed Okinawa shamisen performer Shuichi Sakaguchi for a special mini concert at TG. His powerful voice and the soulful sound of the shamisen resonated deeply with the audience.
Several members from Okinawa and Kyushu were moved to tears, as the music stirred memories of their hometowns. Others described the experience as emotionally stirring “at a DNA level,” feeling a strong connection to the rhythm and spirit of traditional Okinawan music.
Mr. Sakaguchi himself said he was astonished and touched by the heartfelt reactions of the TG members and thoroughly enjoyed performing here. We are excited to share that he plans to return to Vancouver for the Powell Street Festival in 2026, and we hope to welcome him back to TG again.
It was a truly meaningful afternoon filled with music, nostalgia and shared emotion.
Nikkei Craft Fair
Our Tonari Gumi Craft Team will be participating in the Nikkei Craft Fair at the Nikkei Centre. Come and visit our booth to see beautiful crafts and special items made by our team!
Dates:
Saturday, November 15, 2025 10:00–17:00
Sunday, November 16, 2025 10:00–17:00
Venue: Nikkei Centre
Contents:
Crafts
TG Bags
TG Cookbooks
“Spirit of the Issei” Book
Drop by and support our craft team!
TG Social Club Gatherings:
Hawaiian Film & Loco Moco Lunch Report
On October 18th, the TG Social Club gathered for a Hawaiian film screening accompanied by a delicious Loco Moco lunch. The film, The Untold Story, provided insight into important historical events and encouraged deeper reflection.
We shared our thoughts and feelings while enjoying the hearty, comforting Loco Moco. A big thank you to our volunteers, who worked hard to prepare the lunch and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Our next Social Club gathering will be on November 22, where we will enjoy a musical activity, playing handbells together – a fun way to experience creativity and music!
✨ TG Social Club Gatherings ✨
Handbell Music Experience
On Saturday, November 22, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, the TG Social Club will host a joyful gathering where participants can enjoy a handbell playing experience together.
During this session, we will:
Learn how to play handbells
Practice as a group
Perform a few simple songs together 🎶
We will also serve a delicious lunch… the menu is a surprise, so please look forward to it! 😄
Fee: $15
Registration Deadline: November 13
How to Register:
Online form: https://forms.gle/h73neKfVbaCSa7pu9
Email: programs@tonarigumi.ca
Phone: 604-687-2172 ext. 106 (please leave a message)
This activity is perfect for anyone who wants to try something new, enjoy music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and share smiles with fellow participants. No musical experience is required—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Tonari Gumi Seniors Join
Multicultural Seniors Day
On Wednesday, October 1, the Multicultural Seniors Day hosted by MOSAIC took place at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Nine seniors from Tonari Gumi joined the celebration, enjoying a lively and heartwarming day together.
Throughout the event, participants experienced a variety of cultural performances and activities. Our group was delighted to receive a special “door surprise,” which brought smiles and excitement to everyone at our table.
One of our members, Mr. Wakabayashi, was invited to the stage along with seniors from other cultural organizations to perform a special welcome presentation. Their performance was warmly received with applause, creating a wonderful sense of unity in the room.
This event was a valuable opportunity for our seniors to connect across cultures, share joy, and build new friendships. Tonari Gumi looks forward to continuing to participate in community events and strengthening ties within our diverse society.
Tonari Gumi Life Seminar Report
October 27 – Japanese in-person seminar
“Understanding Seniors’ Depression: Awareness and Support”
This presentation was first delivered in Japanese in October and will be offered again in English on November 24.
We were pleased to welcome Mrs. Masako Sakuma-Anderson, a BC Registered Clinical Social Worker, as our guest speaker. She provided an in-depth explanation of the mental and physical symptoms commonly seen in conditions such as depression and panic disorder, using many examples to illustrate various symptoms. In a Q&A format, she also introduced various organizations individuals can reach out to when they suspect that they or someone they know may be experiencing a mental health concern and explained the types of support available. In addition, she shared practical approaches for supporting family members or friends who may be struggling with anxiety, along with practical “tips for maintaining mental well-being.” Participants actively contributed by sharing their coping strategies and experiences, resulting in a lively and engaging discussion.
Following the seminar, several caregivers reflected that it reminded them of the importance of caring for their own mental and physical health.
October 28 – Japanese online seminar
“Health Talk Seminar Series (3 sessions) with Japanese Physicians and Nurses” – Part 2: “Diabetes, understanding the illness. Work toward an early detection.”
We welcomed Dr. Yoshiki Sato from Sato Clinic (Medical Corporation Hoyu-kai in Osaka, Japan), who spoke about diabetes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and the value of maintaining regular exercise to manage the condition effectively. Because Canada does not have a routine health checkup system for early detection of diabetes, Dr. Sato highlighted the importance of taking the initiative to have blood tests and other screenings done through one’s family doctor or local clinic.
A recording of this seminar is available on Tonari Gumi’s YouTube channel until the end of November. The third session in this series will be held online on November 4.
Upcoming Life Seminars
• November 24 (Mon) 1:30–3:00 pm | In-person (English only)
Theme: Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Seniors
Speaker: Masako Anderson-Sakuma, Registered Social Worker (BC)
• November 25 (Tue) 1:00–2:30 pm | Hybrid (English with Japanese support)
Theme: Living with Illness – Changes and Understanding in Communication
Speaker: Support and Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of BC
For details and registration for November seminars, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
Tonari Gumi Shopping Transportation Service
Would you like to go shopping with other Tonari Gumi friends using TG’s Shopping Transportation Service?
If you find shopping alone difficult or you hesitate to carry heavy items or buy in bulk, please take advantage of our ridesharing Shopping Transportation Service aboard the Tonari Gumi van, which was purchased with a grant provided by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. The cost is $5 per person to cover gas. For more information, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
Tonari Gumi Japanese-Language Home Support: Light Housekeeping
Are you aware of Tonari Gumi’s Japanese-language Home Support Service (simple household assistance)? We are currently offering a special promotion: the first service is free, and the second and third services are half price. For details, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
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 the Tonari Gumi Website.
Aspira Peninsula Retirement Residence Guided Tour – Join Us!
We are pleased to invite you to a special guided tour of Aspira Peninsula Retirement Residence in White Rock.
This outing is a great opportunity for those who are considering future retirement living options or simply interested in learning more about senior residence services in a welcoming environment.
The tour includes:
Guided walk-through of the residence
Complimentary lunch
Live entertainment
This is a comfortable and informative way to explore what retirement living can look like, ask questions, and experience the atmosphere firsthand.
📅 Registration deadline: November 3
💲 Participation fee: $15 (payable at registration)
✅ How to register:
Click the link below or scan the QR code provided:
We hope many of you will take advantage of this opportunity and join us for an informative and enjoyable outing!
Tonari Gumi will be closed Due to Remembrance Day
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
📣Messages from the Community📣
The Financial Empowerment Program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver featuring a pop-up tax and benefit clinic
The Family Services of Greater Vancouver office is providing a pop-up tax and benefit clinic to help you file your taxes and assistance with:
Canadian Dental Care Plan (info & application)
Old Age Security & Canada Pension Plan info
Social Insurance Number (birth certificate usually required)
Access codes for My Service Canada
General Government of Canada info
Income Assistance (program details, eligibility, application)
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Location: Family Services of Greater Vancouver office - 1638 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC (Fourth Floor).
To register, please fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/umD0mjgyvg
Influenza (flu) Vaccine
The influenza vaccinations will begin again this fall.
For those aged 65 and over, enhanced vaccines are available that provide a stronger immune response.If you have a BC Personal Health Number but have never registered with the BC Government’s “Get Vaccine” system, you can register online.
If you do not have a family doctor to consult about vaccination, you can call 811 for advice. If you need assistance making a booking, you can also call 1-833-838-2323, where interpretation services are available. For more information, please visit the BC Government website.
Government of BC Influenza (flu) Vaccine information website:
November Seminar Hosted by Nikka Health, in Japanese
Theme: “Emergency Happens!! What to Do and Where to Go?”
Speakers:
· Dr. Asae Tanaka (Family Physician)
· Ayumi Chiba (Pharmacist)
· John Fujiwara (Registered Nurse)
Date & Time: Sunday, November 23, 3:00 PMFormat: Online via Zoom(For those who are not comfortable using Zoom, a live viewing will be available at the Health Lounge inside the Nikkei Home.)
Participation Fee: $10
Supported by: Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society
Registration: Please register through the link below by Sunday, November 16.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
Contact: Mikiko Furukawa, Nikka Health Association
Email: office@nikkahealth.org
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