twenty years + counting

The October 1993 issue of The Bulletin featured a photograph of Jay Hirabayashi and Barbara Bourget of Kokoro Dance on the cover. It was my first issue of the Bulletin as editor. This month, 240 issues and 20 years later, Jay is once again on the cover in a lovely coincidence. Yes, Kokoro Dance keeps on going and so do I. If you’d told me twenty years ago when I was first hired by then-JCCA President Randy Enomoto that I’d still be in the editor’s chair all these years later I’d have told you you were out of your mind. Actually, it’s a different chair (and my hair’s a lot greyer!) but you get the idea. Over the years, the process of producing The Bulletin has changed enormously, but the idea remains the same: search out stories that connect to people, that try to answer that elusive question – what does it mean to be Japanese Canadian? Honestly, I don’t believe there is any one answer, but the search is fascinating none-the-less. I’d like to thank all our contributors and partners for all that they do every month, our team of dedicated volunteers who make sure The Bulletin gets in the mail every month (our mailout is always one of the highlights of my month – and not just because it means another Bulletin issue is over and done with!), and of course our readers. It’s not an effusive community (you don’t say!) but it’s a genuine one I believe. And I am honoured to be entrusted with this job. It’s not always fun (what job is?) but it’s generally rewarding.

Each issue seems to write itself, taking on a life of its own based on what‘s going on that particular month. I’ve given up trying to control things. This month and next there are shows galore being staged throughout Vancouver, so we present, for your reading pleasure . . . the Fall Arts & Culture Preview issue! Start circling your calendars now.

On September 22 I was honoured to take part, with other members of the Vancouver Taiko Society, in the Walk for Reconciliation in support of residential school survivors. Standing on the stage at the finish area waiting to drum, we watched as an unbroken stream of participants crossed the Georgia Viaduct. There was a sense of oneness that transended the grey day and steady rain. I hope some amount of healing began that day.

Hmmm – I do believe the November issue is startingto write itself!