Japanese Connection Stories
Japanese Connection Stories is a collection of photographs capturing my family’s identification with and connection to their Japanese heritage. Following the government enforced evacuation of Japanese Canadians from the West Coast during World War II, many displaced Japanese Canadians assimilated fully into Canadian society, relinquishing much of their cultural heritage to avoid further persecution.
As a fourth-generation descendant of the Evacuation, I have recently become interested in rediscovering my roots. To begin this journey, I reached out to family members across six generations, asking them about their connection to their heritage. I asked them how they identify as Japanese Canadians and whether there is something that continues to link them to their roots.
I have captured family members in photographic portraits that reflect this connection. To further the narrative, I invited them to express that connection in their own words. This personal photographic collection gives my family an opportunity to examine their ties to their Japanese heritage; connections that might otherwise have remained unspoken.
Through this work, I hope to inspire others to rediscover their ties to their family roots and to consider the significance of their heritage to their identity today.
Evan
Gosei – 5th Generation Canadian
Japanese and European Heritage
Being a fifth-generation Japanese Canadian and European mix, I often encounter questions about my background. Many people I meet assume that I was raised with Japanese culture, but that isn't the case. I frequently encounter curiosity about Japan and its way of life, leading to questions that I sometimes cannot answer.
Growing up with limited knowledge about Japanese language or culture, I often struggled to explain my background to people. However, one aspect of Japanese culture that has always fascinated me is the art and elegance of its people, as well as the beauty inherent in their traditions.
I've always been a big fan of tattoos and their history. While tattoos are a significant part of Western culture, they are less accepted in Japanese culture. By having Japanese art permanently inked on me, I show that, although I am truly Canadian in culture, I also carry the physical aspects of Japanese heritage. The Japanese art I have isn't super traditional; this was intentional. It represents my identity as a blend of Japanese, European and Canadian heritage.
Lauren
Gosei- 5th Generation Canadian
Japanese and Irish Heritage
Although my physical appearance strongly reflects my Japanese heritage, I feel somewhat disconnected from my cultural roots. Growing up in Canada, many of my family's Japanese traditions and customs have gradually faded over the generations. As a result, I have a blend of pride for my ancestry, yet a sense of loss for aspects of my culture. Nevertheless, I remain happy and proud to honor the traditions that still exist, and I strongly desire to preserve and pass them down. I also wish to continue learning more about my family’s background to deepen my connection to my Japanese heritage.
Toshiko
Nisei – 2nd Generation Canadian
Japanese Heritage
My father always instilled in me to be proud of my Japanese heritage. Because of this, I grew up feeling very special of who I am, even though I had no connection with other Japanese, except for a few relatives, until my mid-teens.
With few direct ties to Japan, I was drawn to collect Japanese artifacts, like antiques, masks, and dishware. My mask collection grew from pieces gifted to me by family and friends returning from trips to Japan. I feel my deep connection to masks is rooted in my family's ancestral ties to the Samurai of Kagoshima Prefecture, the birthplace of my mother and father. Samurai masks, which represents honour, loyalty, strength, bravery and sacrifice; reflect values my parents passed onto me.
On my second trip to Japan, where I met my relatives for the first time as an adult, I felt an unexpected closeness to the land and its people. Though Canadian born, in my heart and spirit I feel truly Japanese.
Dennis
Sansei – 3rd Generation Canadian
Japanese Heritage
I was born in the Slocan internment camp in British Columbia. I left as an infant, without memories of my internment. My family relocated to Montreal, Quebec, from the West Coast, where we assimilated into our new environment.
My dad, an avid golfer and baseball player, passed his passion for sport to me. He was a member of the famed Japanese Asahi Baseball Team. I have always admired how the Asahi brought together diverse communities during a time of racial discrimination. At the baseball park, fans from all backgrounds would unite to cheer for their favourite teams.
The Asahi were disbanded with the outbreak of World War II due to the internment and displacement of the Japanese community. However, in 2003, the Asahi’s contributions to Canadian baseball and their exceptional skills as players were recognized with their induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame–a ceremony I proudly attended.
With my love for baseball, I wear this commemorative Asahi t-shirt with pride and joy, honoring my father's legacy and the Japanese Canadian ties to the Asahi Baseball Team.
Jody
Yonsei – 4th Generation Canadian
Japanese Heritage
As far back as I can remember, I have been proud of my Japanese heritage. Although I didn’t have a traditional Japanese upbringing, Japanese values of harmony, respect and tranquility were integrated into my childhood. I fondly remember family meals where we would gather to enjoy delicious Japanese food, share stories, and sip warm cups of Japanese green tea. The aroma and taste of green tea will always bring me comfort.
Today, I continue to enjoy a warm cup of green tea and have developed a love for the earthy flavor of matcha. Each morning, I begin my day by preparing a cup of matcha green tea. This ritual brings me in harmony with my roots and reconnects me each day with the warmth of my Japanese heritage.
Jaclyn
Gosei – 5th Generation Canadian
Japanese and Irish Heritage
Japanese food holds a special place in my heart, deeply rooted in cherished memories of my grandparents. Their passion for sharing Japanese treats and their effort to make them accessible during our childhood visits made each bite feel like a rare and treasured experience. These moments with my grandparents were more than just about the food; they were a gateway to connecting with a deeper part of myself and my Japanese heritage. Through Japanese food, I feel a profound connection to my roots and rich cultural ancestry.
Paige
Gosei – 5th Generation Canadian
Japanese and Irish Heritage
Growing up mixed race, I often struggled to find a sense of belonging and connection to my heritage. My family has deep roots in Canada, which meant I didn’t have the Japanese language or traditions to anchor me. In search of my own identity, I turned to Japanese art and media, a passion that has become a significant part of my life. I discovered beloved brands like Sanrio and Studio Ghibli, whose characters resonate with me on a profound level, embodying the spirit of the “forever inner-child.” Over time, these characters and the stuffed animals I’ve collected have provided me with comfort and a sense of belonging. They affirm my love for my forever inner-child, a sentiment that often feels misunderstood in North American culture.
Diana
Mother
Gosei – 5th Generation Canadian
Japanese and European Heritage
Being of mixed heritage, my daughter and I have the opportunity to learn and experience more than one culture. I am of Japanese and Western European descent. My daughter is a blend of Japanese, European, Brazilian and African heritage.
To symbolize a connection to my Japanese heritage, I had my mother's Japanese surname tattooed in Kanji characters on my forearm. My daughter recognizes these characters as a connection to her grandmother.
I identify more as Japanese than as European descent because of my facial features. People usually assume that I am Asian and are quite surprised to discover that I am of mixed heritage. I am not sure what people assume about my daughter since she is only four years old, but I hope people will be kind to her, put aside their prejudice, and admire her beautiful multiracial heritage.
Jack
Rokusei – 6th Generation Canadian
Japanese, British and French Heritage
Jack Kenji is a quarter Japanese and although he is still too young to know what his heritage means, it's something that will be a part of his identity for the rest of his life. His Japanese grandmother recently went to Japan and brought him back the t-shirt he is wearing in the photo; he immediately loved it and wanted to wear it all the time. We're hoping to go to Japan with Jack and his brother, Luca Kenzo, when they are older to show them the great culture and heritage they come from.
Words by Jack’s mother