Remembrance Day

リメンバランスデー・セレモニー

We warmly invite everyone to join us to honour the courage and sacrifice of Japanese Canadian veterans. 

Ceremony Details

  • Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
  • Time: 10:30 AM
  • Location: Japanese Canadian War Memorial
    (Located near the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park)
  • This ceremony is open to everyone.
  • Please join us for light refreshments and a chamber opera presentation by Taka Lee at the Pavilion in Stanley Park immediately following the ceremony.

This year, we celebrate the installation of the Japanese Canadian Soldiers of the First World War and the Fight to Win the Vote Plaque, honouring the brave Japanese Canadian veterans who served in the First World War and waged a determined struggle to secure the provincial franchise for veterans in British Columbia in 1931. Rightfully installed at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park, this plaque was unveiled on July 24, 2026.  This year also marks a historic milestone: the reinstatement of Canadian Legion Branch #9, the Japanese Canadian veterans’ branch that was unjustly dissolved in 1942.

We are honoured to announce the completion of the three-year restoration of the Japanese Canadian War Memorial, the cenotaph erected in 1920 to honour over 200 Japanese Canadians who served in the First World War. Today this memorial stands as our national symbol, honouring all Canadians of Japanese heritage who have served our country with courage and sacrifice.

Planning Your Visit

As this is an outdoor event in November, we recommend dressing warmly for the weather. We suggest arriving a few minutes early to find your place near the memorial before the 10:30 AM start.

Live Stream Link

A boom lift pressure washing the stone Japanese Canadian War Memorial cenotaph surrounded by trees.

Van den Kerkof & Son Masonry cleaning the cenotaph. Oct 20, 2025. Photo by Moay Grace Sakata

David Mitsui standing next to a historic commemorative plaque, holding a framed portrait photo.

David Mitsui at the unveiling of the Japanese Canadian Soldiers of the First World War and the Fight to Win the Vote plaque on July 24, 2026.  He is holding a photo of his grandfather, Masumi Mitsui, a First World War veteran and key activist who fought for the right to vote for First World War Japanese Canadian veterans in BC in 1931. Photo by Adam Smith

 

Black and white historical portrait of Saburo Shinobu in a suit, dated 1913.

Saburo Shinobu, a key activist for the right to vote for First World War Japanese Canadian veterans in BC in 1931.   Photo Courtesy of Susan Yatabe (granddaughter of Shinobu).