On attending some of the free events and activities during the Olympics, I was pleased to see many displays of our diversity through featured foods, arts, and music around Vancouver. Many of the musical entertainers here during the Olympics satisfied my love of music and arts. I was also please to see that many of the fine multiethnic restaurants that we have here in Vancouver have done their utmost in appeasing the palettes of all of our guests.

I hope you are ready to welcome our many visitors for this once-in-a-lifetime event. I was here in Vancouver for Expo 67 (86?) and although I was working much of the time, I did enjoy many of the activities and events when I had a chance. Although there are many issues associated with the Olympics here in Vancouver, I mainly support the many amateur athletes and their support staff who will have dedicated many long hours in order to represent their countries in their chosen sport (or sports!). It is amazing how much money and time is required in order for the athletes to be able to reach this level but also sad for the many who either just missed or are not ready to achieve success.

Our membership is invaluable to us as a community organization. Each annual membership, along with the funds from our advertisers, provides us with the means to support the day-to-day functions of the GVJCCA, providing programs and services, and publishing The Bulletin each month. We encourage our members to keep their membership up to date. With our economy in such rough shape, we realize that sometimes this may be difficult. Please check the mailing label on the back cover for the expiry date. Your membership provides The Bulletin as an invaluable source of information about the Japanese Canadian community.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizen’s Association and our families, I would like to extend a special Merry Christmas and Holiday Season to each and every one of our members, your families, and the Nikkei community at large. Although this time of year is mainly considered a Christian holiday season, I have always liked to think that in celebrating the holiday season we can support all denominations, whether it’s through special words or gifts of kindness.

Hi everyone!
By the time the Bulletin gets out this month, I hope that many of you will have had an opportunity to take in the 6th Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival which runs October 28 to Sunday November 8 here in Vancouver. There are more than 80 events at over 25 locations through the Downtown Eastside. The Downtown Eastside is rich with many diverse ethnic communities and is of course one of the historic homes of the Japanese Canadian community. The DTES Heart of the City Festival …

Upcoming on October 17-18, Vancouver will be hosting the National Association of Japanese Canadian (NAJC) Annual General Meeting. This will be an important AGM as the NAJC membership will discuss the impact of the impending changes brought about by the changing global economy.

This change in venue was a real interesting one in that the Powell Street Festival was able to draw not just from faithful attendees but new ones who travelled from Commercial Drive. The park setting offered more shade from trees, more parking, a different demographic as a result of a more residential neighbourhood, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

The visit to Canada by His Royal Highness Emperor Akihito is the first since 1953, when he was a 19-year-old crown prince and travelled by train across Canada, making this visit very special. His visit was special for me as it was a great honour to meet Japan’s 125th Emperor.

The GVJCCA will once again be participating in the Powell Street Festival on August 1 and 2, 2009 at its temporary location this year at Woodland Park, located at 700 Woodland Drive, Vancouver, just off Commercial Drive. The GVJCCA through The Bulletin will again provide the program guide to everyone attending the festival.

The Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association in conjunction with the National Association of Japanese Canadians will be sponsoring the conference, Honouring Our People: Stories of the Internment on September 25 – 27, 2009 at Nikkei Place in Burnaby, BC.