Our Young Craft Club and Friday Craft Club will also have beautiful handmade items for sale. You can also find used kimono, ceramics and other unique items.

Come enjoy some heartwarming Japanese food, handmade crafts and a fun community atmosphere with us!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Volunteer Appreciation Party

On August 28, we held our Volunteer Appreciation Party to celebrate and thank our wonderful volunteers for all their time, energy and support.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal together, followed by a fun “Getting to Know Each Other” activity. It was a great opportunity to learn something new about fellow volunteers, share lots of laughter and make new connections. It was a warm and joyful afternoon, and we were happy to have the opportunity to spend time together outside of our regular activities.

During August and September, several of our dedicated volunteers also moved on from their volunteer roles at Tonari Gumi for different reasons. Some returned to Japan, either for a short-term stay or permanently, while others found new jobs or started new work opportunities.

Some of these volunteers were unable to attend our Volunteer Appreciation Party, so we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to:

Yasuyo B.

Mayumi H.

Koji Y.

Crecien B.

Adrian P.

Sachi H.

Thank you for sharing your time, energy and kindness with Tonari Gumi and our community. We truly appreciate all of your contributions and support, and we wish you all the best in your new chapters.

We would also like to send a special thank-you to Mr. Hasegawa, who has joined us as a volunteer from Japan around Powell Street Festival time for the past several years. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

Polygon Gallery Tour & Happy Hour

On August 26, our group enjoyed an afternoon outing to the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver. The gallery staff explained the artworks in both Japanese and English, helping us understand the stories behind each piece as well as the artists’ thoughts and ideas. Participants enjoyed viewing the exhibitions and sharing their impressions with one another. After the gallery tour, everyone relaxed and socialized over happy hour at Tap & Barrel. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with art, conversation and friendship.

Richmond Art Gallery Tour & Dim Sum Lunch

On September 23, our group visited the Richmond Art Gallery for a guided tour. The gallery staff gave clear explanations of the exhibitions and introduced the artists, many of whom are based in Japan or actively working there.

As we learned about the stories and ideas behind each artwork, participants became very interested in the artists’ perspectives and creative approaches. The tour was also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about contemporary art, including what inspires artists and how they express their ideas through their work.

After the gallery visit, everyone gathered for a delicious dim sum lunch. It was a wonderful day filled with art, learning, good food and conversation.

The Richmond Art Gallery is operated by the City of Richmond. Admission is free, with donations welcome. If you have some free time, we encourage you to drop by and explore the gallery. It has cozy, welcoming spaces and friendly staff, making it a lovely place to spend some time enjoying art.

Kyoai Gakuen University Students Visit TG Café

On September 11, five students and a staff member from Kyoai Gakuen University in Japan visited Tonari Gumi and joined TG Café.

The students introduced themselves and gave a fun performance to a song by the Japanese boy group M!LK. After enjoying the performance, they taught the participants some of the dance moves and everyone practiced and danced together.

Even though the group only practiced a few times, the participants quickly learned the choreography and were able to dance along. The students were surprised and delighted by how quickly everyone picked up the moves.

It was a lively and memorable morning filled with music, dancing, laughter and cultural exchange.

Shiga University Students Visit TG Café & Friday Craft Club

On September 25, eleven students from Shiga University in Japan visited Tonari Gumi. Following a short introduction, the students divided into two groups. Five students joined TG Café, while six joined the Friday Craft Club.

The students actively enjoyed interacting with the TG Café participants and Craft Club members. They helped with activities, talked with members and enjoyed lunch together.

After TG Café, the students also had an opportunity to meet with our regular volunteers and staff for a Q&A session. Many interesting questions were shared, leading to meaningful conversations about Tonari Gumi, volunteering and our community.

We hope the students will be able to make use of what they learned and experienced during their visit in their future studies and activities.

New Class This Month: Ukulele!

We’re delighted to share that we launched a brand-new class this month—Ukulele! After sending out a survey in August to gauge interest, we were thrilled to receive such an enthusiastic response. We were also fortunate to find Hiroko, a Japanese-speaking instructor, to lead the class. Ukulele classes are now held every other Wednesday afternoon, bringing music, learning and lots of smiles to our community!

★ Volunteers Wanted! ★

Tonari Gumi is looking for volunteers to support our daily activities and programs.

If you have some time to spare or are interested in any of the activities below, we would love to have you join us!

🌸 Regular Volunteer Opportunities

★ Data Entry

• 1 day per week or more

• Approximately 2–4 hours per shift

• Long-term volunteers are especially welcome

★ Local News Article Preparation

Help translate local online news from English to Japanese and prepare the articles for our weekly Monday news reading.

• Long-term commitment preferred

★ Family Drop-In Program Support

Help support our Family Drop-In program for families with young children, approximately 0–3/4 years old.

• Tuesdays, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

★ iPad Group Class Support

Help participants during our iPad group class.

• Thursdays, 12:50 PM–2:40 PM

★ Monday Kitchen Prep

Help prepare meals for Meals on Wheels and other lunch programs. Dishwasher duties are also included.

This is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese cooking while volunteering! You can help plan menus and learn about making dashi (Japanese soup stock) and the basics of Japanese cooking.

• 8:30/9:00 AM–12:00 PM

• 12:30 PM–3:30 PM

★ Thursday Kitchen Help

Help prepare meals and snacks for volunteers and assist with organizing and cleaning the kitchen.

• Schedule is flexible depending on your availability.

★ Friday TG Café Kitchen Help

Help with dishwashing and cleanup after TG Café.

• 12:30 PM–2:00 PM

• End time may vary depending on the day's cleanup.

🎵 New Volunteer Opportunities!

Handbell & Line Dance

We are looking for volunteers who would enjoy sharing music and dance with our seniors!

🔔 Handbell Class Leader / Instructor

We are looking for someone to lead a beginner-friendly handbell class.

Previous handbell teaching experience is not required. If you have a musical background, an interest in handbells, or simply enjoy music and would like to share that enjoyment with others, we would love to hear from you!

💃 Line Dance Class Leader / Instructor

Do you enjoy moving to music and want to have fun with our seniors? We are looking for someone who can lead simple, beginner-friendly line dances at a comfortable pace.

Experience with line dancing, dance or group fitness is welcome, but previous teaching experience is not required.

🌟 We Welcome Volunteers Who:

• Enjoy spending time with seniors

• Are friendly, kind and positive

• Enjoy music or dance

• Are interested in leading a group activity

• Can volunteer regularly during weekday daytime hours

Japanese speakers are especially welcome, but Japanese language skills are not required.

A brief interview and orientation will be arranged before you begin volunteering.

📩 For more information or to apply: programs@tonarigumi.ca

🍁 Fall Bazaar Volunteer Opportunities

Saturday, October 24 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM

Our annual Tonari Gumi Fall Bazaar is coming up!

We are looking for volunteers to help with preparation, setup, the bazaar itself and cleanup.

① October – Advance Preparation

We will be preparing for the bazaar throughout October.

Volunteer activities may include:

• Sorting and preparing Japanese dishes and tableware

• Sorting kimono and other Japanese clothing items

• Organizing small items and putting price tags on them

• Other bazaar preparation and organizing

You can volunteer on the days that work for you.

Volunteer training will also be offered in October.

② Friday, October 23 – Setup Day

Help us get everything ready for the bazaar!

• Kitchen preparation

• Setting up sales areas

• Organizing and preparing items

• Other bazaar preparation

③ Saturday, October 24 – Bazaar Day

10:00 AM–3:30 PM

We especially welcome volunteers who can help throughout the day!

There are a variety of roles available, including:

Sales
Reception and welcoming guests
Customer assistance
Organizing merchandise
Kitchen support
General event support

④ Saturday, October 24 – Cleanup

2:00 PM–3:30 PM

We also welcome volunteers who can help with cleanup after the bazaar.

🙏 Interested in Volunteering?

If you would like to volunteer at the Fall Bazaar, please register using the Google Form below.

Please let us know your preferred dates and the type of volunteer work you are interested in.

Google Form: https://forms.gle/WtQ2dDx9RFoNLeU68

We look forward to working with you!

Thank you for helping us make this year's Fall Bazaar a fun and successful community event!

Community Services Updates

September Seniors Workshop Series: What are the "Concerns" and "Hopes" you wish to realize?

Our three-part Senior Workshop Series began on September 15. During the first workshop, participants had an opportunity to talk openly at their own pace about concerns, challenges and things that have been on their minds in their daily lives. They shared their thoughts and experiences with one another in a warm and welcoming small group setting.

We were pleased to welcome Ms. Chifuyu Casaclang of SADE Counselling as the facilitator. With a small group, participants were able to listen to one another’s experiences and perspectives and enjoy meaningful conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.

The second workshop will take place on October 20, followed by the final session on November 17.

Through this three-part series, we hope to provide a space where participants can talk openly with one another—not to face their “concerns” alone, but to explore together how they can discover and work toward their own hopes and wishes for the future.

Staff Farewell Announcement Kumi Kakinuma: Community Services Coordinator

I will be retiring from Tonari Gumi at the end of October.

I am deeply grateful to have met so many wonderful members during my time here and to have been supported by your warm smiles, kindness and encouragement throughout the years. As I begin this next chapter, I look forward to slowing down a little and enjoying some time for myself as well.

I sincerely wish all of you continued good health and happiness.

Tonari Gumi Peer Support Group: Oak Tree Club Halloween Party

Tonari Gumi’s monthly peer support group, Oak Tree Club, for family caregivers of children with neurodiversity, is hosting an in-person Halloween Party!

With a grant support from the Frank H. Hori Foundation, we were able to rent the gym at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) for this special event.

For event details and registration information, please visit the Tonari Gumi website:

www.tonarigumi.ca/post/~-oak-tree-club-~-draft

Jewish Seniors Alliance of BC offers Friendly Visitation Training Course in October

Thanks to funding from United Way BC, these training opportunities are being offered to volunteers affiliated with participating community organizations across British Columbia, including Tonari Gumi.

Not Just Lectures — Experiential and Practical Training

The Jewish Seniors Alliance of BC (JSABC) is highly regarded for providing experiential, interactive and practical volunteer training. The Friendly Visiting Training consists of six sessions totaling 18 hours and is designed for volunteers aged 18 and older.

Rather than simply listening to lectures and gaining knowledge, participants learn through discussion, practical exercises, role-play, case studies, reflection and realistic situations that volunteers may encounter when supporting older adults.

Training is delivered in English and highly recommended for Community Services Volunteers to participate.

More information:

https://www.tonarigumi.ca/post/seniors-peer-support-course

Nikka Health Association Announces November Health Seminar (Japanese)

The Nikka Health Association holds a health seminar every November. This year’s theme is “Stress.”

Three Vancouver-based professionals will be joining us to discuss stress in everyday life from the perspectives of their respective areas of expertise. They will provide practical and easy-to-understand information on how stress affects our daily lives and overall well-being.

Presentation Topics

Masako Sakuma-Anderson: “Practical Ways to Reduce Stress in Everyday Life”

Will introduce practical stress-management techniques that can be incorporated into our daily lives, including mindfulness, which is also used in healthcare settings. She will also discuss ways to cope with everyday stress and key points for maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

Asae Tanaka: “Stress: A Root Cause of Many Health Problems”

Will explain the relationship between stress and various health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. She will also discuss situations in which symptoms that may appear to be caused by stress can actually be signs of other medical conditions.

In addition, she will introduce free counselling services available in British Columbia that can be helpful for stress management.

Runa Sugiura: “Brain Fatigue”

Will discuss the importance of recognizing stress, understanding its different types and identifying the symptoms that can emerge. She will also explain how reviewing our ways of thinking through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), particularly reframing, can help us maintain our health.

She will also introduce the concept of “brain fatigue,” viewing the brain as an organ and considering the effects of stress from this perspective.

Event Details

Date & Time: Sunday, November 22, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Format: Online event via Zoom with an in-person option

Location: Health Lounge, Robert Nimi Japanese Home

Participation Fee: $10 per person

Advance payment by e-transfer or another payment method is required.

Registration: Please register using this link

Registration Deadline: Saturday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m.

The Zoom link will be sent to those who register for online participation on Sunday, November 15.

For more information, please visit the Nikka Health Association website. https://www.nikkahealth.org/

Online Emergency Preparedness Sessions: public education sessions for personal and household emergency preparedness by the City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver is inviting anyone who is interested to register for online education sessions hosted by Vancouver Emergency Management Agency (VEMA). These sessions are just over an hour long, introducing practical steps you can take to be more prepared including knowing your risks, making a plan, gathering supplies, staying informed and connecting with your neighbours. These are free to attend, open to everyone and includes time for questions and discussion. The in-person session with VPL at Central Library is designed for families. We also have a 20-minute recorded video of our preparedness sessions on our website that you can access at anytime at vancouver.ca/eplearning

o Virtual: Wednesday, October 7th at 7pm - register with Parks

o Virtual: Wednesday, October 14th at 11am - register with VPL

o Virtual: Tuesday, December 1st at 7pm - register with Parks

o In-Person at Central Library: Tuesday, December 2nd at 11am – register with VPL

Niimi Japanese Home Information Sessions: In-Person & Online

*Please note: There will be no tour.

Location: Robert Niimi Japanese Home6680 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

• English: Wednesday, October 7, 1:30–3:00 p.m.

• Japanese: Wednesday, October 21, 1:30–3:00 p.m.

Online Sessions

• English: Thursday, November 5, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

• Japanese: Thursday, November 19, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Space is limited. Please register with Shihori at 604-777-5000 ext. 2109 or hugsassistant@nikkeishc.com.

For Seniors Considering Returning to Japan but Unable to Travel Alone

Information on International Medical Transportation from Overseas to J

apan

We have received information from International Healthcare Clinic, a medical clinic located in Tokyo, which provides international medical transportation services for patients traveling between Japan and overseas, ranging from those with mild conditions to those requiring a higher level of medical care.

Please see the message below from the clinic’s representative:

“Our clinic provides international medical transportation services for patients traveling between overseas and Japan, including those with both mild and serious medical conditions.

In recent years, we have received inquiries from Japanese people who have lived overseas for many years and who would like to return to Japan but are unable to travel alone due to illness, aging, or declining activities of daily living (ADL), such as being bedridden.

Our clinic provides comprehensive support throughout the process, including:

• Medical assessment to determine whether the patient is fit to travel to Japan

• Preparation of MEDIF (Medical Information Form) required by the airline

• Coordination with the airline

• Accompaniment by a physician or nurse

• Arrangements for a reclining wheelchair, oxygen, medical/accessible transportation and other necessary services

• Transportation and assistance after arrival in Japan

We also offer consultations specifically to determine whether a person’s current medical condition allows them to return to Japan.

Consultations are available online or by email.

If you know someone who is having difficulty returning to Japan, we would be grateful if you could introduce our clinic as a possible resource for consultation.”

Mika Washio

International Healthcare Clinic

For more information about the clinic and its services, please visit the website below and refer to the leaflet (Japanese)

https://www.ihc-clinic.jp/medical

Volunteer-Based Single Parents Support Group “Kamome Club”

With a grant support from the Frank H. Hori Foundation, Tonari Gumi is collaborating with Kamome Club, a volunteer-based group that supports single-parent families, from June 2026 through June 2027.

The Kamome Club is presenting an in-person workshop on Sunday, October 4^th, 2026, titled “Domestic Violence: Protecting the Relationships That Matter”.

Please check our website for detail:

https://www.tonarigumi.ca/post/~-kamome-club-~

The Japanese version of the “Wait a Moment! Is This Relationship Healthy? Red Flag Checklist,” created by the same group, is available for download from the Tonari Gumi Resources page.

Tonari Gumi Family Caregivers Support Group

Monthly Zoom Meeting in English

Tonari Gumi hosts a bi-monthly Zoom English-speaking Japanese-Canadian family caregiver support group for family members who are caring for loved ones.

This bi-monthly online meeting provides an opportunity to share experiences, exchange information, ask questions and learn from others who are caring for Japanese family members experiencing age-related illnesses or challenges.

The group is facilitated by a trained volunteer social worker.

Who can join: Immediate family caregivers

Language: English

Format: Online via Zoom

Frequency: Bi-monthly – 2^nd and 4^th Thursday

For inquiries and registration, please contact Betty by email: operations@tonarigumi.ca

This group is intended for immediate family caregivers only.

🌿 October 17 (Saturday) – VanDusen Botanical Garden “Harvest Days 2026”

Let’s enjoy the beautiful fall season together at VanDusen Botanical Garden and experience Harvest Days 2026!

Harvest Days 2026 takes place on weekends from September 26 to October 18 and offers a variety of fun fall activities for all ages.

Explore the Learning Garden and Maze area and enjoy VanDusen’s beautiful fall colours.

The event will feature live music, face painting, lawn games, crafts, food trucks and more. You can also visit the Discovery Tent, an interactive space offering educational activities and opportunities to connect with local experts.

Let’s enjoy a relaxing fall day together while exploring the beautiful gardens!

🕐 Schedule

10:45 AM – Meet at Tonari Gumi (TG)

We will travel to VanDusen Botanical Garden together on foot and by bus.

11:15–11:20 AM – Meet at the VanDusen Visitor Centre

11:30 AM – Enter VanDusen Botanical Garden and enjoy Harvest Days

Lunch – You can get lunch at the Garden Café or Food Truck, or you may bring your own lunch.

Around 2:30 PM – Wrap up

💰 Participation Fee

• Adult: $21 (Member) / $26 (Non-Member)

• Senior: $18 (Member) / $23 (Non-Member)

The fees above are estimated and may be subject to change.

If there are more than 10 participants, a group discount may be available. In that case, the entrance fee may change.

Lunch is not included in the participation fee.

📝 Registration

Please register using the online registration form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGSFLupx47z1q8iC6Atbuvf3lPQ_MmEgfnAL-sD0tCvGeUlQ/viewform

Registration Deadline: Friday, October 9

Registration may close earlier if we reach the maximum number of participants.

🖌️ Japanese Brush Lettering Workshop 🖌️

Want to learn Japanese brush lettering?

Join us for a fun and creative afternoon to learn how to write beautiful Japanese brush characters. Just in time for creating your own Christmas cards and Japanese New Year’s postcards (年賀状)!

Thursday, December 3 | 1:00–2:30 PM

Dementia and MAID Poster

Japanese Canadian Monument Opening Update

[Full Article Link]: jclegacies.com/monument-opening-october-2026

Following the BC Provincial announcement calling an election on September 22, we want to reassure our community that the opening of the Japanese Canadian Monument is proceeding fully as planned on Saturday October 3.

With the provincial election campaign now underway, the program will be adjusted as appropriate to reflect the election period, while keeping the focus where it has always been: on Japanese Canadian community members, elders and families coming together to mark this important moment that stands as a long-overdue tribute to our survivors and our ancestors.

As a space of memory, reflection and healing, the Monument is engraved with the names of nearly 22,000 Japanese Canadians forcibly uprooted from the coast in 1942, organized according to where they were living at the time of disruption. Alongside them are the names of over 3,000 children born during the years of restrictions between 1942 and 1949. By gathering these names together in one place, the Monument physically reconnects survivors, descendants and future generations to our prewar communities and the places we once called home.

Opening Events Schedule (October 3–7)

SATURDAY OCTOBER 3

October 3 In-Person Ceremony (closed)

To ensure the health, safety and comfort of our elders, the official unveiling ceremony is at capacity and strictly closed to additional in-person attendance.

October 3 Viewing Parties & Livestream

We invite community members to join one of the many local viewing parties hosted across the country or watch the ceremony livestream safely from home. The stream will be hosted from the JC Legacies YouTube channel. Find the list of viewing parties here: https://jclegacies.com/monument-opening-october-2026/

BC Heritage Sites September Openings: Victoria, Campbell River and Vancouver

[Full Article Link]: jclegacies.com/save-the-dates

The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) is pleased to invite the public to a series of heritage site openings taking place this October. Through the BC Heritage Sites and Legacy Community Projects programs, JCLS partners with communities across British Columbia to preserve and share Japanese Canadian history, helping bring greater visibility to places that reflect the province’s rich Japanese Canadian heritage.

These sites help bring to light histories that have long remained largely unseen, creating meaningful opportunities for new generations of British Columbians to learn about the experiences, contributions and enduring legacy of Japanese Canadians.

Survivors, descendants and their families are warmly invited to attend these October opening events, along with everyone interested in learning more about this important chapter of British Columbia’s history.

Four openings will take place in October 2026:

1. Victoria | October 4 – 7

Japanese Canadian Monument

The Japanese Canadian Monument, a key legacy project of the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, will be unveiled in Victoria beginning with a nation-wide livestream on October 3 focusing on our elders, followed by guided tours on October 4, 5, 6 and 7. The Monument is open for all visitors any time after October 3. For more information on October 4 to 7 guided tours and to register, visit japanesecanadianmonument.eventbrite.ca

Location: 839 Academy Close, Victoria, BC

Contact: opening@jclegacies.com

2. Campbell River | October 16

Tracing Japanese Canadian Settlement on Northern Vancouver Island

A research and interpretation project focused on documenting and sharing the history of Japanese Canadian settlement and industry in northern Vancouver Island. Through archival research, interviews, field studies and community consultation, the project gathers and preserves stories, photographs, documents and other historical materials related to Japanese Canadian communities in the region. Research findings are shared through museum exhibits, educational programming, documentaries, publications and digital outreach to help make this history accessible to the public and future generations.

Location: Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River, BC

Contact: Tamasyn Kennedy: project.manager@crmuseum.ca

*Soyokaze (Gentle Wind) at Museum at Campbell River*

2. Campbell River | October 16

Tracing Japanese Canadian Settlement on Northern Vancouver Island

Location: Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River, BC

Contact: Tamasyn Kennedy: project.manager@crmuseum.ca

*Japanese grave marker at Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver*

4. Vancouver | October (date TBA)

Momiji Garden Restoration

The Momiji Garden Restoration Teahouse/Gazebo Replacement Project renews a key feature of Momiji Garden at the Pacific National Exhibition by replacing the aging teahouse/gazebo with a new structure. Delivered in partnership with the Vancouver Japanese Gardeners Association, the project supports the long-term preservation of this important Japanese Canadian cultural space while enhancing visitor experience and ensuring the site remains accessible and sustainable for future generations.

Location: Momiji Garden, Vancouver, BC

*All details subject to change

Thank you for your support!

The Japanese Community Volunteers Association, “Tonari Gumi” gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following people for their generous donations in July 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 corrections.

Correction

In last month’s newsletter, we misspelled the name of one of our generous donors; we sincerely apologize for the error and would like to correct it here: Mayme Uyede

Monetary Donations

Lucy Matsuba, Jane Iwaasa, Donna Deyell, Toshio Miyashita, June Yamamoto, Toyoko Mallet, May Ishikawa, Greciana Langamon, Wai Wai Wailele, Ed Nakamoto

In Memory of Yoshio Fujimoto

Tatsutoki Mizushima

In Memory of Helen Hiroko Ono

Carole K. Teranishi, Patricia Skill, Harumi Okamoto, Karen Quan

MONTHLY GIVING Monetary Donations (Online Donation)

Takashi Sato, Thomas Kiyoshi Campbell, Tsutae Suzuki, Kazuo Futami, Anonymous

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Tonari Gumi Newsletter October 2026

🍁 Fall Bazaar 2026 🍁