Internationally renowned Nikkei architect Raymond Moriyama to be honoured with the 2020 Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award at Charitable Gala in Vancouver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nikkei Place Foundation
220-6688 Southoaks Crescent
Burnaby, BC  V5E 4M7
604.777.2122
nikkeiplacefoundation.org

BURNABY, BC – Nikkei Place Foundation (NPF) is thrilled to announce that internationally renowned Nikkei architect Raymond Moriyama has been chosen as this year’s Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Moriyama will be presented with the award at their annual fundraising gala, the Thomas Shoyama Sakura Gala, on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. Proceeds support Nikkei Place Foundation to strengthen, connect, and invest in the future of the Nikkei (Japanese Canadian) community.

The Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the achievements of outstanding individuals who have served as leaders in their fields and in the Japanese Canadian community. Previous awardees have included Dr. David Suzuki, Arthur Hara, Gordon Kadota, Henry Wakabayashi, Joy Kogawa, and Kaye Kaminishi (Asahi Baseball Team).

Raymond Moriyama has applied his visionary architectural approach to projects around the globe, including: Ottawa's City Hall, the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, the Saudi Arabian National Museum, and the Canadian War Museum, among others. During the Second World War, Raymond Moriyama and his family were interned in Slocan Valley and his experiences in the camp have informed his personal and professional career. Moriyama believes that "architecture has to be humane and its intent the pursuit of true ideals, of true democracy, of equality and of inclusion of all people."

He has received some of the highest professional honours including the Confederation of Canada Medal, and the RAIC Gold Medal. Moriyama has also received honourary degrees from ten Canadian universities, the Order of Canada, the Order of the Rising Sun, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

“The Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honour Japanese Canadian heroes – to recognize the outstanding achievements of those who have made a profound and lasting mark on the fabric of Canada, and the inspiring legacy they give to future generations. It is with great excitement that we recognize Raymond Moriyama with this award at our upcoming gala.” said Naomi Kawamura, Executive Director at Nikkei Place Foundation.

The gala brings together community leaders, philanthropists, and business professionals to honour and celebrate the achievements of Nikkei in Canada. The evening’s agenda also includes the presentation of the 2019-2020 Nikkei Youth Athletics Bursary recipient (to be announced) and recognition of a Nikkei entrepreneur (to be announced).

Please check www.nikkeiplacefoundation.org/thomas-shoyama-gala for the most updated event information. Tickets on sale now. Purchase online at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/nikkei-place-foundation/events/thomas-shoyama-sakura-gala-2020/ or contact the Nikkei Place Foundation office at 604-777-2122 or gala@nikkeiplacefoundation.org for tickets and sponsorship information.

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About Nikkei Place Foundation

Nikkei Place Foundation is the charitable fundraising organization for the Nikkei Place Japanese Canadian community in Burnaby. We are the bridge that connects philanthropy with Nikkei history, arts, culture, community, and senior care. Together with our partners, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS), we work to build a strong and vibrant community for all.

For media inquires, please contact:

Lindsay Fong
Marketing & Communications Manager
creative@nikkeiplacefoundation.org