“Visas of Life and the Epic Journey” seminar
2025/4/1
On March 23rd, the Consulate General of Japan in Calgary held an event titled “Visas of Life and the Epic Journey” at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This event was in collaboration with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, and the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, and was attended by Minister of Innovation and New Technology Mike Moroz, Tuxedo MLA Carla Compton, National Association of Japanese Canadians President Les Kojima, Dr. Art Miki, Honourary Consul General of Japan in Manitoba Kenneth Zaifman, executive members and volunteers of JCAM, and numerous members of the Japanese and Jewish communities.
At this event, Mr. Akira Kitade, author of “Visas of Life and the Epic Journey: How the Sugihara Survivors Reached Japan”, shared the stories of Jewish refugees who survived the cross-Asia escape to Japan and the selfless actions of individuals who helped them on their perilous journey. We were honoured to have the daughter of one of the Sugihara Visa recipients share her experience.
JCAM President Jim Suzuki acted as master of ceremonies and gave a speech, followed by remarks by Consul General Wajima and Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada Executive Director Belle Jarniewski. Canadian Museum for Human Rights representative Jeremy Maron offered closing remarks to the event.
Photos taken by CMHR, Douglas Little.
This event was in collaboration with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, and the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, and was attended by Minister of Innovation and New Technology Mike Moroz, Tuxedo MLA Carla Compton, National Association of Japanese Canadians President Les Kojima, Dr. Art Miki, Honourary Consul General of Japan in Manitoba Kenneth Zaifman, executive members and volunteers of JCAM, and numerous members of the Japanese and Jewish communities.
At this event, Mr. Akira Kitade, author of “Visas of Life and the Epic Journey: How the Sugihara Survivors Reached Japan”, shared the stories of Jewish refugees who survived the cross-Asia escape to Japan and the selfless actions of individuals who helped them on their perilous journey. We were honoured to have the daughter of one of the Sugihara Visa recipients share her experience.
JCAM President Jim Suzuki acted as master of ceremonies and gave a speech, followed by remarks by Consul General Wajima and Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada Executive Director Belle Jarniewski. Canadian Museum for Human Rights representative Jeremy Maron offered closing remarks to the event.
Photos taken by CMHR, Douglas Little.
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| Mr. Akira Kitade sharing the story | Mr. Akira Kitade sharing the story |
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| Event in progress | Event in progress |
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| Speech by Jim Suzuki, JCAM President | Remarks by Consul General Wajima |
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| Remarks by Belle Jarniewski, Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada Executive Director |
Remarks by Jeremy Maron, Canadian Museum for Human Rights representative |
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| Event in progress | Group photo |