President’s Message

Hi everyone!
It seems that we lose special people in our community each year. This past month, on December 8, our Nikkei community lost Mary Takayesu. She was a special lady who, along with husband Frank who passed away in 2004, was a dedicated member of our Nikkei community. Mary lived her life to the fullest, volunteering in many capacities, and was very dedicated to the GVJCCA and Nikkei Place. I remember she and Frank were so diligent in maintaining our Bulletin memberships on a monthly basis until Parkinson’s disease wouldn’t allow Mary to continue. Many people will remember Mary at the Powell Street Festival, helping at our Salmon BBQ by cooking the rice that went with the dinners. Others got to meet Mary at the many functions held at Nikkei Place throughout the years. One cannot forget her constant smile at these activities. We will miss her and the GVJCCA offers special condolences to her family.

January will be another busy month. If you haven’t registered for the GVJCCA Keiro-kai which will be held at Nikkei Place on Sunday January 13 from 12 – 4 pm please do so as soon as possible. This annual community New Year’s celebration for seniors over 70 years of age is going to be another excellent event with a full program. To register, please contact Tonari Gumi at 604.687.2172.

Shinnen-kai, the annual Nikkei Community New Year’s party will also be held at Nikkei Place on Saturday January 19. Tickets are still available, so please contact Nikkei Place at 604.777.7000.

The GVJCCA will be holding a Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday February 16th at Nikkei Place. This will be our first dance and fundraiser for 2008. There will be prizes, snacks and DJ music. Tickets ($25) and information are available through the GVJCCA at 604.777.5222 or through Board members. The aim is to help raise funds for the GVJCCA so that we can provide information through workshops and sessions on various aspects of human rights, social justice and other topics pertinent to the Nikkei community.

The GVJCCA will be holding its annual AGM on Saturday March 29 in the GVJCCA office from 2-4pm. We are always looking for individuals who are interested in helping the community in all areas of community development, social justice, human rights, and Nikkei relations. Please come and attend. If you would like more information please contact our office.

During 2008, Japan and Canada will be celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations. Canada was one of three countries that Japan established diplomatic ties with, the others being the United States and the United Kingdom. The Government of Japan is planning to celebrate the past eight decades of friendship and cooperation with Canada as a way to look ahead to the future in building stronger bilateral relations. Events supported through the year will be in various areas such as economics, science & technology, academics, culture, sports, arts, and tourism. We hope that community organizations can participate in this 80th anniversary year and bring the Nikkei community even closer together.

Have a great month.

Ron Nishimura
President GVJCCA