Category JCCA President’s Report

Before going to press last month I managed to attend Richard Murakami’s receipt of the 2010 British Columbia Community Achievement Award at Government House in Victoria on April 28. Richard was selected for this honour as a result of his many acts of generosity and kindness on Salt Spring Island. His most notable act was the donation of land for the construction of Murakami Gardens, a recently-completed 27-unit affordable housing project. Murakami Gardens is serving as a template for many new affordable house projects provincially.

Hi everyone! Congratulations to Richard Murakami from Salt Spring Island, who, along with 44 other British Columbians, received a 2010 British Columbia Community Achievement Award at a gala ceremony in Victoria, BC, on April 28th. Richard was selected as a…

Hi Everyone! Well it’s been an amazing February and March in Vancouver with the World descending upon Vancouver and Whistler for the Olympics and the Paralympics. To me it has been wonderful to see the patriotism exhibited by Canadians and…

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.

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…

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.