Celebrating International Women's Day at Nikkei Place
We are proud of the many women who play a vital role in the successes of Nikkei Place! Hear from some of the outstanding women in leadership positions on our teams about what or who inspires them to take action.
We are proud of the many women who play a vital role in the successes of Nikkei Place!
In celebration of International Women’s Day we are showcasing some of the outstanding women in leadership positions on our teams throughout the month of March. In conjunction with our spring INSPIRE ACTION fundraising campaign, we asked them their thoughts on what or who inspires them to take action, what traits make for great leaders, and if they have any advice to share or sayings that they live by.
These spotlights are part of Nikkei Place Foundation’s INSPIRE ACTION spring fundraising campaign to support the three charities at Nikkei Place. Click here to learn more.
Sherri Kajiwara
Director|Curator of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
INSPIRE ACTION Community Spotlight
We are proud of the many women who play a vital role in the successes of Nikkei Place!
Meet Sherri Kajiwara
Sherri Kajiwara is the Director|Curator of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Born in Japan and raised in Canada by a Nikkei family, Sherri is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Japanese Canadian history, arts and culture in contemporary ways.
Who or what inspires you to take action?
My family, my teachers, my team.
What are some traits you think great leaders possess?
Compassion, generosity of spirit, and the ability and strength to discern what is of the greater good for the most rather than the few.
Do you have any words or sayings you live by? Or some of the best advice you’ve received that you would like to share?
When you first wake up, think of something you're grateful for. It helps set your mindfulness for the day.
Naomi Ostwald Kawamura
Executive Director of the Nikkei Place Foundation
INSPIRE ACTION Community Spotlight
We are proud of the many women who play a vital role in the successes of Nikkei Place!
Meet Naomi Ostwald Kawamura
Naomi Ostwald Kawamura is the Executive Director of the Nikkei Place Foundation. She is also a member of the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Decolonization, and Inclusion) Network with Vantage Point and serves as the Vice President of the Washington DC-based charity, the Museum Education Roundtable. She has a Master's in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is completing a PhD in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia.
What or who inspires you to take action?
My parents Michiko and Ikunosuke are both very hardworking, generous, and service-oriented people. They have instilled in me the same desire to serve the communities to which I belong. My relationship with my daughter has also inspired me towards leading a richer, purpose-filled, and more future-oriented life.
What are some traits you think great leaders possess?
Self-awareness, humility, and the willingness to share power.
Do you have any words or sayings you live by? Or some of the best advice you’ve received that you would like to share?
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."
- Audre Lorde
Ruth Coles
Board President of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society
INSPIRE ACTION Community Spotlight
We are proud of the many women who play a vital role in the successes of Nikkei Place!
Meet Ruth Coles
Ruth Coles is currently the Board President of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS).
She was educated at UBC and the University of Toronto where she received her Master of Social Work degree. Ruth worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years as a social worker in management and leadership roles in Diversity Services. She advocates for caring and compassionate care, barrier free services and community building. Ruth has been active with the NSHCHS for over 35 years as Vice President and President since 2010.
Who or what inspires you to take action?
I was brought up with Christian values and my parents set an early example of serving others and helping those in need. For example, my father played a key role in the relocation of many Japanese Canadian families to Grand Forks during the war. My decision to become a social worker probably grew out of this background, as did my subsequent commitment to Nikkei Place and Nikkei Seniors.
What are some traits you think great leaders possess?
Great leaders should be concerned about the needs of others and be able to generate cooperation by empowering others.
Do you have any words or sayings you live by? Or some of the best advice you’ve received that you would like to share?
I have never thought much of words or sayings to live by. I’ve always been more concerned with doing things. But if I have to come up with a saying, it would be “Actions speak louder than words”.
Monthly Donations Update (January 29 - February 28, 2021)
The Foundation acknowledges gifts we receive for Nikkei Place. Thank you to our recent donors from January 29 - February 28, 2021 inclusive!
Important Notice:
Since March 18, 2020, Nikkei Place Foundation has transitioned all staff to work remotely until further notice, in response to the rapidly evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured, we are still accepting donations, but encourage you to donate online to avoid any delays with receiving your tax receipt. For any questions or concerns, we can be reached at gifts@nikkeiplacefoundation.org or 604.777.2122.
Thank you to our recent donors!
Gifts listed from January 29 - February 28, 2021 inclusive
We apologize for any errors or omissions on this list. If your name has not been included, and you think it has been missed, please contact us and we will look into this right away.
Frances & Mark Glover
Fay I. Ishii
Hiroyuki & Tomie Morimoto
Keiko Norisue
Ron Shimizu
Toshiyuki & Yukiko Tosa
Pearl Wilson
Keiko Yakumo
LEAFS
Bronze
Stanley & Masako Fukawa
Red
Ruiko Okino
Shinichi & Rumiko Sueyoshi
Orange
Anonymous
Toshiko Tabata
Green
Phil & Pauline CooperAiko
Marlene & Taeko Darlene Hamakawa
In Celebration of Teruko Homma’s Birthday
Carina Abe
In Honour of the Konishi Family
Chris Wootten
In Memory of Dale Banno
Anonymous
In Memory of Allen Chan
Frank & Patricia Hamanishi
In Memory of Ronald Inouye
Rona Tanaka
In Memory of Gregory Kimura
Frank & Patricia Hamanishi
Mary F. Kawamoto
Kazuto & Mary Nakamoto
In Memory of Yukio Tony Nasu
Janet Nasu
Roberta H. Nasu
In Memory of Heather Natsuhara
Wayne Tanaka
In Memory of Mitsuru Tanaka
Fumiko Horii & Mike Sokugawa
In Memory of Genji Yada
Rickey & Margaret Yada
In Memory of Joe Yamauchi
Frank & Patricia Hamanishi
Arlene K. Mayede
Edward & Jennifer Nakamoto
Joyce M. Nakamoto
Anonymous (2)
Carina Abe
Ian & Debbie Burgess
Brian & Marcia Carr
Patricia H. Chan
Michael & Ruth Coles
Grant Dustin
Masami Hanashiro
Junichi & Atsumi Hashimoto
Tad & Mitsuko Hosoi
Shaun Inouye
Kenneth & Bernadine Isomura
Mary F. Kawamoto
Satoko Kobayashi
Katsuko (Kitty) Kodama
Greciana Langamon
Tommy Li
Stewart Kawaguchi
Ted Kawamoto
Catherine Makihara
Masako & Ken Moriyama
Anne Motozono
Daigo Naito
Roberta H. Nasu
Takeshi & Mizuho Ogasawara
Chris Oikawa
Hanako Oye
Linda Kawamoto Reid
Jim & Norma Sawada
Audrey Shimozawa
Eva Shiho
Barbara Shishido
Charlotte Takasaki
Sharlene A. Tabata
Joyce C. Takeshita
Darlene Tanaka & Trevor Jones
Grace Tanaka
Ginzo & Harue Udagawa
Hisako Wada
Fred & Linda Yada
Chris, Jan Yamamoto & Family
Norine K. Yamamoto
Sam Yamamoto
Tatsuo & Mariko Yamamoto
Gwendolyn Yip & Santa Ono
We thank and honour the legacy gifts made by our supporters following their passing:
Tamiko Corbett
LA Dinsmore
Emmie & Mitsuo Hayashi
Gordon Kadota
Yoshiharu Hashimoto
George & Elaine Homma
Betty Issenman
Sato Kobayashi
Cathy Makihara
Robert & Jane Nimi
Carrie Okano
Linda Kawamoto Reid
Richard & Gail Shinde
Norman Shuto
Haruko Takamori
Sian Tasaka
Fred & Linda Yada
Sam Yamamoto
Today is Hinamatsuri 雛祭り- Girls Day!
Here’s a manga we created back in 2014 that celebrates Girl’s Day!
Happy Hinamatsuri 雛祭り- Girls Day!
Check out this manga we created back in 2014 about Girls Day traditions.
Mitsuo and Emmie Hayashi Remembered
Nikkei Place is saddened by the news that Mitsuo (Mits) Hayashi, one of many founders of Nikkei Place, passed away on January 29, 2021.
Nikkei Place is saddened by the news that Mitsuo (Mits) Hayashi, one of many founders of Nikkei Place, passed away on January 29, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife Emmie Hayashi, who passed away in August of 2019 after they retired and moved back to Japan in spring of the same year.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi were longtime community leaders who tirelessly devoted their time, energies, and generous financial support to building and advocating for Nikkei Place, and the larger community, for over 20 years.
“Mits Hayashi had a huge heart; he was an exceptionally caring and thoughtful person. This was most evident in the way he initiated concerts and other events and anonymously donated items that enhanced Nikkei Centre. He was the Society’s bridge to Japan and the Japanese immigrant community, with examples ranging from building relations with the Japanese Consulate to championing the Japanese immigrants on the Centre staff. We were so blessed that he and Emmie chose Vancouver as home in their retirement.”
Craig Natsuhara, NNMCC Director
Mr. Hayashi served as the Vice-President of National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society, Chair/Director of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, a Board member of the Nikkei Place Foundation and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. He contributed his time to the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia, Nikka Health Care Society, Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association, Nikkei Community Shinnenkai, Vancouver Hakumon-kai, and the Vancouver Japanese United Church. For his contributions to the Japanese Canadian community, Mr. Hayashi was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in 2012 and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. In 2015, Nikkei Place awarded him the Japanese Culture Award.
"Mits and Emmie were a dignified couple who unselfishly dedicated their time and resources to the development of Nikkei Place. They supported many organizations in the Japanese Canadian community, but Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society seemed to occupy a special place in their lives. Always a gentleman, with an awareness of social propriety, Mits served as a vital link between the Ijushya community and Nikkei Place. We will be forever grateful for their involvement and support."
Ruth Coles, NSHCHS President
Footage from the NNMCC museum archives, Moving Images - ICAS Collection, shows Mr. Hayashi introducing Nikkei Place:
Mitsuo and Emmie will be remembered for their many contributions to community building at Nikkei Place and beyond, and their dedication to promoting closer relations between Canada and Japan. Their volunteer spirit and generosity will be greatly missed. They leave behind a lasting legacy.
Nikkei Place has prepared a video slideshow in their memory. A tribute page has also been set to honour Mr. Hayashi and Emmie’s legacy here where you can watch the video slideshow, share a story or condolence message, or make a donation in their memory.
"Mits was a gentleman, and facilitated the relationship between Nikkei Place and the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver. He greatly supported community projects in spirit and financially. We will surely miss him."
Fred Yada, NPF Director, NNMCC Director
A Message from the Hayashi Family:
Email dated Feb. 3, 2021 - translated by Louise Akuzawa
お世話になっております。
ご無沙汰しております。林光夫の姪の香代子です。
コロナで大変なことになっておりますが、おかわりありませんでしょうか。
突然のことではございますが、叔父・林 光夫につきまして、カナダより日本に帰国してから我が家の近くの老人ホームにて過ごしておりましたが、このたび急遽体調が悪化し、去る2021年1月29日の金曜日に逝去いたしました。ここに生前のご厚誼を深謝し、謹んでお知らせいたします。
カナダでは、叔父と叔母のエミを多くの方に温かく見守っていただき穏やかに過ごすことが出来たと思います。本当にお世話になりました。あらためて感謝申し上げます。
なお、このコロナ禍であり日本においても緊急事態宣言が発令されている中でもありますので、葬儀は執り行わず火葬していただき、牧師の先生と身内の数名にてお見送りすることにいたしました。
そのような流れから、誠に勝手ではございますが、御香典、御供物、弔電などの御厚志につきましては、失礼ながら辞退とさせていただくことにいたしました。恐れ入りますが何卒よろしくお願い申し上げます。
故人が生前賜りましたご厚誼につきまして深謝申し上げます。本来であれば早くお伝え申し上げることではございましたが、事後のご通知になりましたこと何卒ご容赦頂きたくお願い申し上げます。
本来ならば直接ご挨拶申し上げるべきところ恐縮ではございますが略儀ながらメールをもってお知らせいたします。
姪 伊原香代子
光夫 妹 伊原信子
Dear everyone,
This is Kayoko Ihara, Mitsuo (Mits) Hayashi’s niece.
I hope you are doing well.
After returning from Canada, my uncle was living in a long term care home near me. Recently, his health suddenly got worse and I’m sorry to have to tell you that he passed away unexpectedly on January 29 (Fri).
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your kindness and all you have done for my uncle and aunt Emiko (Emmie) during their time in Canada. They had a good life.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic situation, we did not have a formal funeral but immediate family members and the Pastor prayed and my uncle was cremated.
Please accept our apologies for not accepting KODEN (Condolence gift/Incense money), flowers, telegrams and cards or any kinds.
We apologize for not informing you right away. We wish to meet all of you in person to thank you rather than by email; however we hope you understand the current situation.
Kayoko Ihara (niece)
Nobuko Ihara (Mitsuo’s younger sister)
Obituary
Mitsuo (Mits) HAYASHI
(July 07, 1934 – January 29, 2021)
Born on July 7, 1934 to the Christian family in Nagano prefecture. He was a second son among 7 siblings.
In 1958, after graduating from Chuo University, he went to New York where he met Emiko (Emmie). In 1961, they got married. While working for NKK (Nippon Kokan) Corporation (currently JFE Steel Corporation) New York branch, he attended evening classes and earned a graduate degree from New York University School of Business. After he was hired by head office in Japan, he spent 14 years in New York and 11 years in Vancouver. In 1993, his last assignment as a General Manager of NKK Corporation Vancouver subsidiary office, he retired and immigrated to Canada. He contributed to the Japanese Canadian community.
In May 2019, returned to Japan. On August 3, Emiko died of illness. She was 97.
On January 29 2021, Mitsuo died unexpectedly at a long term care home in Saitama Prefecture. He was 86.
Family (niece and younger sister) is not accepting Condolence gifts, flowers, telegrams and cards due to the Pandemic.
林 光夫：1934（昭和９年）７月７日、長野県飯田市のクリスチャン家庭に７人兄弟の次男として生まれる。
1958年、中央大学経済学部卒業後ニューヨークに渡り、アメリカ出身の恵美子さんと出会い、1961年に結婚。日本鋼管（現JFEスティール）ニューヨーク事務所に現地採用され、夜間ニューヨーク大学大学院ビジネススクールに通い卒業。
本社採用となり、北米滞在はニューヨークに２回合計14年、バンクーバーに２回合計11年。バンクーバー事務所所長を経て1993年カナダに退職移住し、日系コミュニティーに貢献した。
2019年５月、夫婦で日本に帰国し埼玉の老人ホームに入居。８月に恵美子夫人が病死（享年97歳）。2021年1月29日、体調を崩して死亡（享年86歳）。
遺族（姪・妹ほか）はコロナ渦につき、香典、供物、弔電などを辞退している。
NNMCC ‘Resilience Fundraiser’ Campaign Concludes, Surpassing $250,000 Goal
The NNMCC is pleased to announce that the Resilience Fundraiser campaign raised over $306,000, surpassing their target by over $55,000!
NNMCC ‘Resilience Fundraiser’ Campaign Concludes, Surpassing $250,000 Goal
Community support has been overwhelmingly positive, and echoes the importance and desire for Nikkei Centre to serve as a place of community gathering, historic preservation, and cultural exchange.
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic created great challenges for individuals, families, businesses and organizations. The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) was no exception, and faced significant uncertainties and financial challenges. However, through resilience, resourcefulness and the generous support from all of our Resilience campaign donors, the Nikkei Centre persevered through the year, and found new ways to remain operational and serve the community.
The NNMCC launched the ‘Resilience Fundraiser’ campaign on April 1, 2020, and concluded in the new year on January 22, 2021, to raise essential operational funds. The support of community members was overwhelmingly positive, and echoes the importance and desire for Nikkei Centre to serve as a place of community gathering, historic preservation and cultural exchange.
The NNMCC is pleased to announce that the Resilience Fundraiser campaign raised over $306,000, surpassing their target by over $55,000! Thank you to all donors for supporting the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre!
““On behalf of the Board of Directors [of the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre], I would like to thank you – our Community – for your extraordinary support of our aptly-named Resilience Fundraiser. As a result of your incredible generosity, we are better positioned than many charitable organizations to meet the unprecedented operational challenges that we continue to face during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the very generous group of anonymous donors who graciously provided the matching donations.”
”
Photo credit: Manto Artworks
The generosity of donors provided a lifeline for the NNMCC, and helped ensure they could continue to their charitable mission to honour, preserve and share Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian history and heritage for a better Canada. While many public facilities closed or became unavailable due to pandemic restrictions, the Nikkei Centre, with approved safety plans, was able to re-open and allow limited activities such as: martial arts, Japanese language school, small-scale outdoor markets, and visits to the Broken Promises exhibit, while many locals enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of Nikkei Garden. We expanded our online shop and online programs, presentations and workshops, and educational resources for distance-learning.
Discover:
As a gathering place, the Nikkei Centre was able to provide some semblance of normality to an abnormal year. All of these opportunities and achievements could not have been possible without the generous support from all of our Resilience campaign donors.
The NNMCC will continue to work hard to fulfill our mission and continue to meet the needs of our seniors, families, individuals and community.
To conclude the Resilience campaign, all gifts are acknowledged on the Resilience Fundraiser Donor Wall (also viewable in the February issue of The Bulletin and soon to be on display in the Nikkei Centre lobby).
ご支援いただき、誠に有難うございました。
Monthly Donations Update (December 21, 2020 - January 28, 2021)
The Foundation acknowledges gifts we receive for Nikkei Place. Thank you to our recent donors from December 21, 2020 - January 28, 2021 inclusive!
Important Notice:
Since March 18, 2020, Nikkei Place Foundation has transitioned all staff to work remotely until further notice, in response to the rapidly evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured, we are still accepting donations, but encourage you to donate online to avoid any delays with receiving your tax receipt. For any questions or concerns, we can be reached at gifts@nikkeiplacefoundation.org or 604.777.2122.
Thank you to our recent donors!
Gifts listed from December 21, 2020 - January 28, 2021 inclusive
We apologize for any errors or omissions on this list. If your name has not been included, and you think it has been missed, please contact us and we will look into this right away.
Janet Abe
Anonymous (3)
Jennnifer Barnett
Carolyn Casenas
Kathy Harris
Jim Hori
Stephanie Jost
Soya Kayo
Keiko Kobiyama
KODO Collection
Lissa & Andrew Lapre
Lola Lee
Edward & Esther Matsubuchi
Setsu Miyanishi
Mr. & Mrs. Masao Mizumoto
Sunni Nishimura
Mark Noda
Ounce of Prevention Solutions Inc.
Kristina Peterson
Kathy Shimizu
Paul Thiele
Julie & Paul Tubajon & Family
Margie Uyeda
Bill & Norine Wakeling
Roy Yabuki
LEAFS
Ambassador
Sam Yamamoto
Platinum
Fred & Linda Yada
Burgundy
Michael Abe
Anonymous (3)
Alice Asako Bradley
Kami Insurance Agencies Ltd.
Carrie Okano
Kenso Okino
Kumi Shanahan
Tamlyn Tomita & Daniel Blinkoff/The Umami Fund
Gold
Yukimi Makihara
Roy & Yaeko Uyesugi
Copper
Anonymous
David Masuhara
Ken & Dorothy Yada & Family
Bronze
Dennis Enomoto
Red
Takashi Iwata
George Koyanagi
Lillian S. Morishita
Daniel & Rury Nakagawa & Family
Norman Shuto & Patricia Wallace
Shinichi & Rumiko Sueyoshi
George & Hiroko Tsuchiya
Vernon Yonemoto
Orange
Anonymous (3)
Rebecca Choi
Ted M. Hamaguchi
Rodney Yutaka Hatanaka
Emiko Hayashi
Hap Hirata
Shirley Isojima
Takiko & Takehisa Kawasaki
Sumi Kinoshita
Kevin Kochi
Greciana Langamon
Naomi Nakatsu
Nancy Okano
George Sumyie
John D. & Jean Turnbull (Miyazawa)
Vancouver Japanese Gospel Church
Vancouver Tankakai
Sueko Yamamoto
Green
Anonymous
David & Beverley Foy
Margaret Lanthier
Ron & Marion MacQueen
Elmer Morishita & Sofia Lee Morishita
Reizo Nagai
Fusae Sameshima
Roy & Tsuyako Sokugawa
Hozumi Takahashi
Tsuneko & Stanley Takaki
NNMCC Resilience Fundraiser
The NNMCC Resilience Campaign concluded on January 22, 2021. All gift acknowledgements can be found on the Resilience Campaign donor wall.
NNMCC JAPANESE CANADIAN WAR MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
Kimiko M. Sato
In Celebration of Eva T. Shiho 100th Birthday
Christine Chiba
In Honour of Sayuri Kagami
Dr. Millie Creighton
In Honour of Dr. Takashi Ono & Mrs. Sachiko (Morita) Ono
Santa Ono & Gwendolyn Yip
In Honour of Volunteers & Supporters
Yuki Matsuno
In Honour of Michigan Watanabe
Yumi Watanabe
In Memory of Al Akizuki
Patricia Akizuki
In Memory of Dale Banno
Anonymous
Michael & Laurie Bertrand
Stefen Elmitt
Jeanne Jensen
Ken Krag
Cathy Makihara
Ray & Joyce Shimokura
In Memory of Robert Banno
Cathy Makihara
In Memory of Nancy
Machiko Cameron
Judy & Ed Whitehead
In Memory of Junichi Chiba
Anonymous
Allan & Keiko Mayede
In Memory of Tamiko Corbett
Linda Kawamoto Reid
In Memory of George & Dorothy Cruickshank
Catherine Tagseth
In Memory of Eugene Fujisawa
Allan & Keiko Mayede
In Memory of Masakazu Godo
Yoshiko Godo
In Memory of Jack Hama
Frank & Patricia Hamanishi
In Memory of Atsuko (Hayashida) & Takeo Hirasawa
Dr. Kaye Hayashida
In Memory of Miyo & Tanejiro Hayashida
Dr. Kaye Hayashida
In Memory of Kachiko Higashitani
Tona Ikuta
In Memory of Daisuke Horikawa
Pratick Mukherjee
In Memory of Yoshie Ikuta
Tona Ikuta
In Memory of Kanaye
Kay Kagetsu
Frank & Naomi Kamiya
In Memory of Gregory Kimura
Reiko Barabas
Tatsu & Karen Mizushima
Edward & Jennifer Nakamoto
John & Marion Nakamoto
Joyce M. Nakamoto
Sachi Pretty
Hiroko Stuart
In Memory of Hiroshi Matsuba
Anonymous
In Memory of Kayoko Kondo
Kevin, Karey and Tori Kondo
In Memory of Jimmy & Kayoko Kondo
Dan & Caprice Lau
In Memory of Yoshiko Matsumoto
Frank & Patricia Hamanishi
In Memory of Kenneth Matsune
Dorothy Matsune
In Memory of Bhagwan Mayer
Gail Mayer
In Memory of Shirley Mukai
Keiko Gawalko
John Matthews
Krysta Mukai
In Memory of Mary & Sadao Nishimura
Shawn Nishimura
In Memory of Miyoko Nose
Laura Dempsey
In Memory of Shirley Oye
Joyce M. Nakamoto
Diane Oye
In Memory of Jane Shimokura
Ray & Joyce Shimokura
In Memory of Emi (Okabe) Springston
Norine K. Yamamoto
In Memory of Shoji Tabata
Frank & Patricia Hamanishi
In Memory of Masako Yada
Rickey & Margaret Yada
In Memory of Mom & Dad
Glenn Ohashi
Anonymous (2)
Carina Abe
Ian & Debbie Burgess
Brian & Marcia Carr
Patricia H. Chan
Michael & Ruth Coles
Grant Dustin
Masami Hanashiro
Junichi & Atsumi Hashimoto
Tad & Mitsuko Hosoi
Shaun Inouye
Kenneth & Bernadine Isomura
Mary F. Kawamoto
Satoko Kobayashi
Katsuko (Kitty) Kodama
Greciana Langamon
Tommy Li
Stewart Kawaguchi
Ted Kawamoto
Catherine Makihara
Masako & Ken Moriyama
Anne Motozono
Daigo Naito
Roberta H. Nasu
Takeshi & Mizuho Ogasawara
Chris Oikawa
Hanako Oye
Linda Kawamoto Reid
Jim & Norma Sawada
Audrey Shimozawa
Eva Shiho
Barbara Shishido
Charlotte Takasaki
Sharlene A. Tabata
Joyce C. Takeshita
Darlene Tanaka & Trevor Jones
Grace Tanaka
Ginzo & Harue Udagawa
Hisako Wada
Fred & Linda Yada
Chris, Jan Yamamoto & Family
Norine K. Yamamoto
Sam Yamamoto
Tatsuo & Mariko Yamamoto
Gwendolyn Yip & Santa Ono
Carrie Okano
Linda Kawamoto Reid
Richard & Gail Shinde
Norman Shuto
Haruko Takamori
Sian Tasaka
Fred & Linda Yada
Sam Yamamoto
Tamiko Corbett
Yoshiharu Hashimoto
Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi
George & Elaine Homma
Betty Issenman
Sato Kobayashi
Gordon Kadota
Cathy Makihara
Robert & Jane Nimi
Setsubun marks the end of winter and falls on Feb 2 for first time since 1897
Here’s a manga we created back in 2015 that celebrates Setsubun!
Setsubun marks the end of winter and falls on Feb 2 for the first time since 1897
Today is Setsubun — the day before the beginning of Spring, according to the traditional Japanese calendar.
The name translates to “seasonal division”. It is often thought to be the peak of the cold season, leading to the onset of the warmer spring season, so it is celebrated as part of the spring festival.
Long ago, February 4 was considered New Year’s Day, so on February 3 (New Year’s Eve), people would want to welcome the new year by cleansing away evil spirits. They would throw soybeans outside and at a person wearing a Oni mask (demon mask) while screaming “Get out evil!!!”.
This year, New Year’s Eve falls on February 2nd, for the first time since 1897.
