The Beginnings of the Japanese Canadian Community
The history of the Japanese Canadian community began in 1877 when Manzo Nagano arrived in Canada.
Japanese immigrants, including Nagano, settled in British Columbia (BC), particularly Vancouver and Steveston (Richmond). They made their livelihoods through fishing, farming, and working in the lumber industry. As the number of immigrants from Japan increased, Powell Street, near Powell Street Grounds (now Oppenheimer Park) in Vancouver, developed into a lively Japantown known as “Powell Gai.”
In Steveston, the arrival of Gihei Kuno, a fisherman from Wakayama Prefecture, marked a significant turning point. He invited fellow fishermen from his hometown, establishing the second-largest Japanese community in BC after Vancouver.
Backlash Against Asian Immigrants and the “Gentlemen’s Agreement”
In September 1907, anti-Asian sentiment peaked in Vancouver, culminating in a riot. White Canadians initially attacked Chinatown before moving on to the nearby Japantown. Although Japanese residents were resistant, many buildings and businesses were damaged.
Discrimination against Asians, including Japanese Canadians, continued. In 1908, the Canadian government signed the “Gentlemen’s Agreement” (also known as the Lemieux Agreement) with Japan, restricting immigration to 400 adult males per year. However, there were no limitations on women and children. Further revisions in 1923 and 1928 imposed even stricter immigration limits.
Internment of Approximately 22,000 Japanese Canadians Following the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese military’s attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, marked a turning point for Japanese Canadians. On the same day, Canada declared war on Japan. Viewing Japanese Canadians as a “security threat,” the Canadian government decided to forcibly remove them from a 100-mile (160-kilometer) “restricted zone” along the BC coast.
Approximately 22,000 Japanese Canadians were relocated to internment camps in the interior of BC or farms in Alberta and Manitoba. Their properties were confiscated and sold without their consent.
Life in the internment camps was extremely harsh. Government-supported camps were established in Tashme, Greenwood, Slocan City, Lemon Creek, Popoff, Bay Farm, Rosebery, New Denver, Sandon, and Kaslo. Self-supporting camps were set up in East Lillooet, Bridge River, Minto City and McGillivray Falls. Residents were housed in cramped barracks or repurposed shacks under difficult conditions.
Men aged 18 to 45 were sent to road camps, where they were forced to perform gruelling labour constructing roads for the Hope-Princeton Highway, Revelstoke-Sicamous, and Blue River-Yellowhead.
Post-War Discrimination and Repatriation
Even after World War II ended in August 1945, the Canadian government continued to restrict Japanese Canadians from returning to the West Coast. They were forced to choose between relocating east of the Rockies or “repatriating” to Japan. As a result, approximately 4,000 Japanese Canadians, many of whom were born in Canada, were sent to post-war Japan.
Discrimination against Japanese Canadians, which had been widespread before the war, continued for some time afterward.
Centennial Celebration of Japanese Canadian Community
In 1977, the Japanese Canadian community commemorated the 100th anniversary of first Japanese immigrant, Manzo Nagano, to settle in Canada. To mark the occasion, the Japanese Canadian volunteer organization Tonari Gumi spearheaded the organization of a Japanese-style festival, “Matsuri,” the Powell Sai, at Oppenheimer Park, the site of the old Japanese neighbourhood “Powell Gai.” This festival, now known as the Powell Street Festival, continues to be held annually in August at the same park.
In 1978, the Japanese-language newspaper Vancouver Shinpo was launched to serve the Japanese community in Vancouver. Until its closure in April 2020, it played a crucial role as a community newspaper, sharing Japanese Canadian history and culture.
During this period, a significant post-war wave of Japanese immigrants settled in the Vancouver area, leading to a revival and reconstruction of the community. Amid this resurgence, there was a growing societal understanding of the wartime experiences of Japanese Canadians and a reevaluation of their history.
Redress Movement
Japanese Canadians began to assert themselves and reflect on their history from 1942 onward, bringing their experiences to society’s attention.
In the 1970s, the Japanese Canadian community gained momentum in seeking redress and an apology for the internment. The Redress Movement became more organized in the 1980s, led by the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) under Art Miki, which started negotiations with the Mulroney government in 1984.
In 1988, the Canadian government formally apologized to Japanese Canadians and settled the Redress Agreement. The government compensated internment survivors, their families, and the community. It marked a significant step toward reconciliation in Canadian history.
Cultural Centres, Monuments, and Passing History to Future Generations
Today, monuments and museums dedicated to preserving Japanese Canadian history can be found throughout Canada.
With funding from the Redress Agreement, the Nikkei Cultural Centre and Museum (formerly known as the National Nikkei Heritage Centre) was established in Burnaby, BC. This institution plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Japanese Canadian history and culture. It hosts commemorative events and exhibitions, ensuring this important history is shared with younger generations.
***
***
