Work experiences of Japanese Canadians living in pre-War Marpole told by former residents, their descendants and associates.

Conversations with former Marpole residents shed light on pre-War Marpole as a home to Japanese Canadians – from celebratory stories of birth and marriage to tragedies of illness, accidents, and abuse.

Kunji looks back on the past season of artist interviews with help from Nikkei National Museum staff member (and fellow theatre artist) Carolyn Nakagawa. Together, they reflect on season highlights, the connections forged through art and conversation, and speculate about the future of Sounds Japanese Canadian to Me.

Kunji speaks with dancer Benjamin Kamino about the philosophy that drives his dance practice, why he considers his work “very Japanese”, and his advice for younger artists.

Kunji speaks with theatre artist and filmmaker Mieko Ouchi about writing secretly during theatre school, the rituals she’s created while writing each of her plays, and finding universal stories in her own family throughout her career.

Kunji speaks with interdisciplinary artist June Fukumura about growing up with Western culture’s stereotypes about Japaneseness, the artistic practice of clown, and her own alter ego, Sumiko.

Kunji speaks with theatre and performance artist Matt Miwa about the risks and imperatives of performance, the generational nature of Japanese Canadian identity, and Matt’s work in and hopes for the Ottawa Japanese Canadian community.