30 Years Ago Today

REMEMBER – REFLECT – CARRY ON * * * DON’T BE LATE TO CELEBRATE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF REDRESS – Due to the success of our Early Bird campaign, a limited number of tickets are available for the Redress Anniversary Gala Reception on Thursday, November 8, 2018 | 7:00 PM | Join us at at LUMA & the Founder’s Lounge in the TIFF Bell Lightbox | 350 King Street West, Toronto [. . .]  

TICKETS $100 General and $60 for 30 & under and 65 & over ORDER TICKETS ONLINE

September 22nd, 1988 – a turning point in Canadian history. Canada takes a giant step in bending the arc of justice towards becoming the respected country it is today. On that day Prime Minister Mulroney acknowledged that “the treatment of Japanese Canadians during and after World War II was unjust and violated principles of human rights as they are understood today.”

This apology and the redress agreement of 1988 was a result of one of the most successful civil rights campaigns in Canadian history. This historic achievement was negotiated by the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC).

Honorable Justice Maryka Omatsu, the first female Asian-Canadian judge and Art Miki head up our leadership guests as speakers. Meet and mingle with redress community leaders past and present led by Bill Kobayashi, Toronto NAJC President 1987-88, Van Hori, Shin Imai, Bryce Kanbara, Joy Kogawa and Frank Moritsugu. Additional guests include writers, Mark Sakamoto, winner of CBC’s Canada Reads award for “Forgiveness “ and Kerri Sakamoto and Terry Watada whose novels “Floating City” and “The Three Pleasures” were released this year.

Expect an evening of insight and inspiration with a musical backdrop of global jazz and Asian-fusion fare by LUMA Chef, Michael Wilson. The formal program will be short to maximize meeting, greeting and friendships, old and new.

World-class architects Moriyama and Kuwabara are leading the way as sponsors. Thanks to Raymond and Sachi Moriyama the Founder’s Lounge (as seen in the show “Suits”) will be the setting of a fundraising sale for Momiji Health Services and seating for our Nisei attendees. Bruce Kuwabara whose company KPMB designed the TIFF Bell Lightbox is a key sponsor.

Kobayashi + Zedda Architects Ltd. is also on board. Jack Kobayashi of Whitehorse is the son of Bill and Addie Kobayashi. Bill Kobayashi, was President of the Toronto NAJC during the Redress campaign. Jack was the 2006 winner of the Professional Prix de Rome, awarded by the Canada Council and the 2002 B.C. Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal. Kobayashi & Zedda Architect are known and recognized for its work with First Nations and sustainable architecture.

FAMILY-COMMUNITY SPONSORS & DONORS Michael Doi and Julia Shin Doi, Mark Matsumoto and the Family of Bill and Addie Kobayashi. We also thank the Hamilton NAJC, Scholastic Canada, Kaz Shikaze, Toshi and Nobu Oikawa and Peter Wakayama for their donations.

A limited number of sponsorships are still available – donations also welcome. Contact Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi at redressgalareception@gmail.com for sponsorship, ticket and event details. Phone 416-317-9726

Like or visit us at our fledgling facebook.com/torontonajc and Instagram @torontonajc