News

At the AGM, Tonari Gumi needs its members to approve the annual report! The AGM also gives members a chance to vote for policies, direction and Board members, as well as an opportunity to share opinions directly with the Board of Directors. We encourage all members to attend! Date and Time: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 10:00 AM Location: Tonari Gumi, 101-42 West 8th Ave. Vancouver, BC For more information visit: www.tonarigumi.ca/agm

The date for this year's TG Golf tournament is Saturday July 11, 2026. Registration will open on April 1 through the TG Website. $225 per golfer, discounted $850 for a foursome. We hope to see you again!

Table of Contents Art Therapy at Genki Gumi Men’s Club Cookie-Making for Valentine’s Day 🌸 Hina Dolls on Display at TG 🌸 Baked Goods Donation Let’s Enjoy Japanese Movies Renovation Update: Building Permit Approved & Construction Underway Tonari Gumi Harrison Hot Springs Trip March Social Club: Let's Get Growing! Jan-Mar Tonari Gumi Birthday Invitation Community Services Resource Information VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAM @ TG: March 9 ~ 27, 2026 For Those Who Wish to Receive

Dear Social Club Members, We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Social Club workshop: Introduction to Japanese Spring Vegetables This workshop will introduce healthy, easy-to-grow Japanese vegetables and herbs suited for spring. We will: Discuss five key plants Share growing tips Offer simple recipe ideas Provide seeds and seedlings to help you get started The session will also cover Sansai  (wild spring greens that can be foraged). A light lunch featuring dishes made

💬 Chat with fellow volunteers, share ideas, and connect! 📢 Hear about upcoming volunteer opportunities and our plans for 2026. 📅 Monday, Feb 23 | 1:00–2:00 pm 📅 Saturday, Feb 28 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm 💌 Interested? Email programs@tonarigumi.ca to register. 🔗 Zoom link will be sent after registration. 🌟 Whether you’re new or experienced, all volunteers are welcome!

Table of Contents Social Club: Late New Years Celebration Notice Regarding Donations During Renovation Outing Report: Tamio Wakayama Exhibition Nikkei Place Oshōgatsu Event March 9 ~ 27, 2026: Tonari Gumi CRA’s Community Volunteers Income Tax Program Onigiri and Japanese Workshop We’re Looking for Regular Volunteers! ⚠️ Important Travel Update: Construction on Broadway Jan-Mar Tonari Gumi Birthday Invitation 📣Messages from the Community📣 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Newsletter Survey Ill

Planning a trip to Japan and want to learn some basic Japanese to communicate—and love onigiri? This small-group workshop introduces simple words and phrases for greetings, shopping, and dining out (restaurant situations), followed by a fun session making popular onigiri. DATE: Saturday, March 7, 2026 TIME: 10:00 - 12:00 noon Venue: Tonari Gumi - Japanese Community Volunteers Association 101 - 42 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1M7 Tel 604-687-2172 www.tonarigumi.ca

Join us for a special outing to see Tamio Wakayama’s exhibition  at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Thursday, January 22 , from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm . You may gather at Tonari Gumi at 10:30 am  and travel together, or meet us directly at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 11:00 am . Gallery meeting point:  Robson St × Howe St entrance. The guided tour will begin at 11:00 am , led by Mayu Takasaki , Tamio Wakayama’s partner, along with Tadafumi Tamura , a Japanese guide for this exhibit

Table of Contents Happy New Year 2026 from Tonari Gumi 🎄Celebrating the 2025 Christmas Party at Creekside Community Centre🎄 Adrian’s Work Experience in Canada Tonari Gumi Family Drop-In Christmas Party! UBC Community Service Learning Students 🧹Winter Clean-Up Week Complete!🧹 Community Services Resource Information Seniors Services Society of B.C. Podcast January 27th, 2026 Tonari Gumi Life Seminar Tonari Gumi Shopping Transportation Service Tonari Gumi Home Support: Light

🌸  Tonari Gumi Annual Retreat  🌸 Relax in the hot springs and enjoy a worry‑free trip together! ✔ Mini‑Bus Available : Easy • Comfortable • Stress‑Free Travel Ideal for seniors – no driving required 📅  Dates: Wednesday, February 18 – Thursday, February 19, 2026 (1 night / 2 days) 📍 Location : Harrison Hot Springs Resort 100 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs, BC 🏨 Accommodation:  15 rooms / 30 members, Double occupancy Please register in pairs , West Tower – 2 Queen Lak

Tonari Gumi will be closed on Boxing Day (Friday, December 26) and New Years (Thursday, January 1).

Join us for a family‑friendly Japanese New Year celebration! Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: Tonari Gumi (1F Hall) Participation Fee • TG Members: $10 (meal included) • Non‑Members: $15 (meal included) Event Highlights • Mochitsuki Tools Display  - Traditional usu & kine　　　　　　　  - Cultural explanation panel  - Photo corner • Japanese New Year Cultural Corner - Decorations - Osechi food samples (visual only) - Customs: nengajo, shimenawa, kadoma