PARALLEL PATHS: Japanese Diplomacy & Nikkei Heritage. Early Settlement: Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century

The first in a series of 6 forums titled “PARALLEL PATHS –Japanese Diplomacy and Nikkei Heritage” was held on March 28 at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall.  The theme for the evening was “Early Settlement: Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century.”  After a presentation on the opening and the early activity of the consulate by Consul General Okada, Mr. Gordon and Ms. Ann-Lee Switzer spoke about the first Japanese contacts with Canadians and the growth of the Japanese community.  Following that, there were comments from the panelists and a Q&A session in which the audience participated in a good discussion about historical facts brought out in the presentations.  The next forum in the series will be held on May 23rd at the Steveston Community Centre.  The theme is “Family Settlement: Early 20th Century – Pre-war.”

Consul General Okada presents slides of early documents from the Diplomatic Archives during his talk.

Consul Sugimura’s first cable from the Consulate of Japan in Vancouver to Tokyo (1889).

Gordon Switzer talks about the very first encounters between Japanese and Canadians in B.C.

 

Ann-Lee Switzer talks about the growth of Japanese communities in B.C. in the early 20th century.