Treasures from the Nikkei National Museum: N. Matsubayashi Japan Rod & Gun Club Membership Card

This membership card, belonging to Nakataro Matsubayashi, reveals the existence of the Japan Rod and Gun Club of Vancouver, B.C.

The card is signed by N. Matsubayashi, bearer and certified member, and A. Fujiwara, Secretary. It features a gilded edge and a metallic seal.

The club seal is particularly interesting as a distinctly Japanese Canadian design. The seal design features images of the rising sun, a Canadian maple leaf and the head of a hunting dog behind two crossed rifles, all within what appears to be a hunter’s pocket watch, labelled with the club name.

Little is known about this club, where in Vancouver it’s activities were organized or took place, and who else was a member.

If you know anything about the Japan Rod and Gun Club of Vancouver, or the history of game hunting within the Japanese Canadian community, please contact our team at collections@nikkeiplace.org or contact our collections manager at luyeda@nikkeiplace.org.

Image Information:

Title: N. Matsubayashi Japan Rod & Gun Club Membership Card

Collection: N. Matsubayashi Collection

Repository: Nikkei National Museum

Accession Number: 2019.16.1.1.46

Year: 1910

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THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRINTED FROM NIKKEI VOICE’S OCTOBER ISSUE. SUBSCRIBE OR DONATE TODAY TO HELP SUPPORT OUR NEWSPAPER.