Episode 23 – Harmonicas

SJCTM - 23 - Harmonicas

The harmonica was the musical instrument of choice for young nisei Japanese Canadian men in the 1930s and 1940s. Raymond and Carolyn look at some reasons why it became so iconic for this generation, some of the more prominent players, and story of the Lemon Creek Harmonica Band.

Outro music for this episode: excerpt from Lemon Creek Harmonica Band, "You Are My Sunshine". 2001 recording.

Further reading:

Eyers, Tony. "Harmonica History - from China to the Blues".

Ibuki, Norm Masaji. "The Lemon Creek Harmonica Band Plays On 65 Years Later". Discover Nikkei: 12 Aug 2009.

Moritsugu, Frank. "Archives: A Treasure Trove to Mirror Our Colourful Past". Nikkei Images 5.2 (Summer 2000).

Nakagawa, Carolyn. Harry Aoki Legacy Project. UBC Blogs. Web.

The image shows a group of eight men playing various styles of mouth harps surrounding Roy Kumano, indoors. The men surrounding Roy are from left to right are Junji Ikeno, T. (Vic) Hinatsu, Ken Sugamori, Hideo Sakamoto, Ken Watanabe, Harold Matsubayashi, Roy Ito and Takashi Igashira.

Roy Kumano with the Gakuyukai Harmonica Band; Vancouver, BC. NNMCC 2011.19.9