Changing Tides: A Collective Photo Exhibit of Tohoku

Dee Tracey

Megumi Johns

The Changing Tides photo exhibit at the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre in Burnaby showcases the efforts of a group of former teachers who worked in Japan and who are now working to raise awareness and funds following the devastating disasters of March 2011. The former teachers participated in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and lived in towns, villages and cities across Japan working in public schools and city halls. Some of these places included areas that were struck by the disasters.

Megumi Johns, one of the event coordinators and a board member of the JET Alumni Association of BC lived and worked in Sendai. She says, “Japan, and especially Tohoku, hold a special place in my heart. We wanted to do something to show our support, and also to show the beauty, spirit and character of this special part of Japan.”

The photo exhibit opens January 14 and runs until the weekend of March 10, a day before the one year anniversary of the earthquake. The exhibit features photos from JET participants that highlight the natural and cultural beauty of Tohoku, while other photos capture the chaos following the disaster and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and restore the area. The exhibit also includes anecdotes from former JET participants who share their experiences and connections to their Japanese “home away from home.”

A silent auction event will be held Saturday, February 18, from 6-9pm at the Nikkei Centre to raise funds to support Japanese NGOs who are actively working in Tohoku. Thomas Law, another event coordinator and JETAABC board member explains, “This event will feature live performances, refreshments, and the chance to bid on some amazing items such as a ride-along on a police patrol, unique Japanese crafts and Japanese language classes. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”  Tickets to the silent auction are $10 and can be requested through tickets@jetaabc.ca.

Visit www.jetaabc.ca/changing-tides for more information.

To donate auction items please contact social@jetaabc.ca.

Changing Tides Photography Exhibition
presented by the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET)
Alumni Association of BC
January 14th to March 10th
National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

Changing Tides Silent Auction
presented by the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET)
Alumni Association of BC
Saturday February 18th, 6-9pm
National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre
Tickets $10 at tickets@jetaabc.ca
www.jetaabc.ca/changing-tides