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Standing (left to right): James Heron, Kim Takeuchi, Gary Kawaguchi, Deedee Yatabe. Sitting: Jan Nobuto, Shizue Kobayashi, Betty Moritsugu, Frank Moritsugu, Tak Irizawa, Stuart Seki, Lydia Yatabe and Kazue Irizawa. Photos credit: Kelly Fleck.

TORONTO — Japanese Canadian veterans were honoured at the annual Nikkei Veterans Memorial and Luncheon at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on Nov. 6.

Two Nisei veterans and one Sansei veteran, along with their families, friends, descendants and community members attended the ceremony in the centre’s Heritage Lounge. The formal portion of the event included remarks from JCCC President Gary Kawaguchi, Jan Nobuto, Ode to Remembrance was recited by Lydia Yatabe and reading of In Flanders Field by Timothy Takasaki.

Left to right: Shizue Kobayashi, Betty Moritsugu, Frank Moritsugu, Tak Irizawa, Stuart Seki, Lydia Yatabe and Kazue Irizawa.

As well, Nisei veteran Frank Moritsugu gave an enthusiastic speech about his recollections during his service in the Canadian Army during the Second World War. Following the formal portion of the event and after photos were taken, guests caught up with old friends over a bento lunch.

The event was noticeably smaller than previous years, as the number of Nisei war veterans in attendance has dropped significantly. Just over the last year, the Toronto community has lost three Nisei veterans, Roy Matsui, Ray Takeuchi and Mickey Nobuto.

Frank Moritsugu, Tak Irizawa, Warrant Officer Stuart Seki at the Nikkei Veterans Memorial and Luncheon at the Toronto Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on Nov. 6.

Sadly, each year the group of Nisei veterans gets smaller and smaller, which emphasizes the importance of holding this annual event.  As the group gets smaller, it becomes more evident that the stories and legacy of Nisei war veterans needs to be shared and preserved for following generations of Japanese Canadians to understand the role Japanese Canadians played in Canada’s war history. Many Canadians do not know Japanese Canadians participated in the First and Second World Wars.

JCCC Heritage has put together the display, S-20 and Nisei Veterans Reunion in the heritage lounge with photos, documents and memorabilia from the Second World War for anyone who is interested learning more about Japanese Canadian veterans.

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To learn more about Japanese Canadians efforts during the World Wars, read our article: here.

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