October 8 - January 15, 2016
Also available online at warriorspirit1916.ca
BOOK
Battlefield At Last
The Japanese Canadian Volunteers of the First World War, 1914-1918
By Kaye Kishibe
Available in the museum shop $10
PODCAST
Sounds Japanese Canadian to Me, Episode 18 - Samurai
The Bravery and Honour of Japanese Canadian soldiers in the First World War
Beginning in early 1916, over 200 Japanese Canadian recruits began military training in Vancouver. This was a time when the Japanese in Canada had no right to vote, and yet they felt called to serve the country they identified as their home. Over 222 soldiers from the Japanese Canadian Volunteer Corps fought in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, participating in the major battles of the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Lens, Avion, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Arras, Cambrai, Denain, Valenciennes, Mons. Fifty-five were killed or died of their wounds. Only six came home uninjured. Letters from the front describe the exemplary and fearless fighting of Japanese Canadians who won thirteen military medals for bravery. Despite demonstrated loyalty to Canada, these veterans were still denied the vote until 1931. As well, during the Second World War, their military service was ignored and they were included in the mass internment of Japanese Canadians. This exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the loyalty, dedication, courage, and commitment to a better Canada from the early community of Nikkei in Canada.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Public gallery tours
Every Tuesday and Saturday at 11am, October 22, 2016 - January 15, 2017.
Vimy Day commemoration: April 9, 2016
War Memorial, Stanley Park, in conjunction with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
2-4pm, including reception at the Stanley Park Rowing Club
Mountain View Cemetery plaque unveiling and walking tour: August 6, 2016
10am.
Exhibit opening: October 8, 2016
3-5pm. Free admission.
Zennosuke Inouye re-enactment: November 5, 2016
2pm
Special performance of moments from the life of a Nikkei First World War veteran. 50 minute performance followed by talkback session with actor Kevin Takahide Lee** & Writer/Director Yvette Dudley-Neuman**. This theatrical presentation is part of the City of Surrey’s Heritage Re-Enactmentprogram. **The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
Remembrance Day ceremony: November 11 , 2016
11am
Remembrance Day ceremony at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Followed by reception.
Hiroshima talk by Sachi Rummel: November 26, 2016
2pm