The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs is heading to Powell Street Festival
July 28, 2026
Japanese Canadian Artists ,Japanese Canadian History ,
| We’re heading to Vancouver!The Toronto NAJC is delighted to present The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs at this year’s Powell Street Festival.From ABCs to Activism: How a Children’s Book Became a Primer on Japanese Canadian History Sunday, August 2, 2026 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Vancouver Japanese Language School, fourth floor 487 Alexander Street What began as a children’s alphabet book evolved into an intergenerational community project exploring Japanese Canadian history, culture, identity and activism. Each letter opens a doorway into Japanese Canadian life—from family stories and community traditions to the histories of dispossession, redress and community building.Artist Mia Ohki will join curator Kristofer Sakamoto-Marshall and content creators Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi and Mari Galloway to discuss the research, writing, artwork and collaborative process behind the book.Copies of The Japanese Canadian Book of ABCs will be available for purchase in the main hall of the Vancouver Japanese Language School. Attendees at our presentation will also receive a limited-edition Powell Street Festival sticker featuring artwork from the book’s “P is for Powell Street Festival” page. Artist Mia Ohki has also prepared special colouring pages for the presentation, offering kids and grown-ups alike a fun way to engage with the people and stories featured in the book.Can’t wait to see you around or at our presentation! Our warmest regards, Kristofer, Lynn, Mia, and Mari We are grateful for funding from The Japanese Canadian Legacies Society |