Japanese Canadian Veterans Honored in Vancouver After 100 Years

BREAKING: For the first time, the faces of Japanese Canadian veterans who fought bravely in the First World War are on display in Vancouver, marking a significant moment of recognition after more than a century of obscurity. This groundbreaking exhibition, unveiled today, highlights the heroic contributions of these forgotten soldiers, shedding light on their sacrifices while facing systemic racism and exclusion from basic rights.

Community historian Debbie Jiang, who dedicated over 15 years to researching their stories, emphasized the importance of this recognition. “These were young men who gave their whole lives and no one remembers them,” Jiang stated. She called the historical neglect a “travesty,” underlining how a dark chapter in Canadian history has overshadowed their service and hidden their stories from both the public and their families.

During the Second World War, over 22,000 Japanese Canadians, including veterans, were unjustly labeled as “enemy aliens.” This led to their forced internment in camps, where they lost homes and livelihoods, including property seizures and the sale of their belongings. Jiang’s research brought to light the remarkable military career of Otoji Kamachi, a retired private who served valiantly in the First World War and later endured internment.

Kamachi was part of a group of Japanese Canadian soldiers who enlisted despite the systemic barriers they faced, including being denied the right to vote since 1895. Many of these soldiers were not the typical recruits; they were often in their 30s and 40s and included decorated veterans from previous conflicts. They traveled to Alberta—the only province where they could enlist—to fight on the front lines, with the hope of securing voting rights for their community.

Jiang highlighted Kamachi’s distinguished service, noting he fought in pivotal battles such as Vimy Ridge and Ypres. He was injured by gunfire during his service, yet despite his sacrifices, he was uprooted from his home in British Columbia and sent to the Popoff internment camp during the Second World War.

Records reveal the government sold Kamachi’s possessions, including a fishing boat valued at $750, for a mere $86. In a poignant quote from his time in the internment camp, Kamachi described the cramped living conditions his family endured, stating, “my means of livelihood…was taken by Custodians without my consent.”

After the war, Kamachi rebuilt his life as a farmer in B.C., raising eight children with his wife, Yukie Koreeda. He lived to witness the federal government grant Japanese Canadians the right to vote in 1948, although he did not survive to see the formal apology and reparations issued in 1988 by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

In an inspiring moment for the community, Kamachi’s legacy is now honored through a series of banners displayed prominently in downtown Vancouver, featuring images of him and other Japanese Canadian veterans. Jiang hopes this visibility will ensure their stories are remembered. “I want people to be able to look up and say their names,” she said.

Families like that of Kelly Shibata are finding renewed connection through this recognition. Shibata shared how learning about his grandfather’s military service has brought his family closer together. “It’s great to be able to honour him in that way and recognize what he did,” he stated.

As these images are displayed across the city, they serve not only as a tribute to the bravery of Japanese Canadian veterans but also as a powerful reminder of the injustices they faced. The exhibition aims to ignite public awareness and foster discussions about the contributions of all veterans, regardless of their background.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community continues to honor the legacy of its heroes and push for further recognition of their sacrifices.