One hundred years ago, more than 200 Japanese Canadian recruits began their military training in Vancouver.
Even though they had no right to vote, they felt called to serve the country they called home – and they fought in some of the major battles of the First World War.
Their story is being told in a new exhibition at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre. Warrior Spirit opens Saturday, Oct. 8 and runs until Jan. 15, 2017 at the museum at 6688 Southoaks Cres.
With 222 soldiers from the Japanese Canadian Volunteer Corps fighting with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, they participated in the battles of the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Lens, Avion, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Arras, Cabrai, Denain, Valenciennes and Monnes. Fifty-five were killed or died of their wounds; only six came home uninjured.
“Letters from the front describe the exemplary and fearless fighting of Japanese Canadians who won thirteen military medals for bravery,” a press release notes.
Despite their loyalty to Canada, the veterans were still denied the vote until 1931 – and, come the Second World War, they were included in the mass internment of Japanese Canadians.
“This exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the loyalty, dedication, courage and commitment to a better Canada from the early community of Nikkei in Canada,” the release notes.
Among the artifacts on display will be an original samurai uniform; medals and other artifacts from Sgt. Masumi Mitsui of the famed Fighting 10th Battalion that successfully took Vimy Ridge in 1917; and the uniform and medals of Zennosuke Inouye, the only First World War Japanese Canadian veteran to have his land returned after the Second World War.
Inouye will be the subject of a re-enactment, starring actor Kevin Takahide Lee, on Saturday, Nov. 5.
The opening reception is set for Saturday, Oct. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
See www.nikkeiplace.org for more information.
