Month: June 2023

Norman Takeuchi appointed to Order of Canada

Photo by M. Bernards, courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum

The OJCA/OJCC would like to congratulate Ottawa-area artist, Norman Kiyomitsu Takeuchi on his appointment to the Order of Canada.

“For his enduring commitment to honouring, preserving and sharing the history and heritage of Japanese Canadians.”

Norman’s work reflecting on internment and displacement has been instrumental in ensuring that the experience of Japanese Canadians remains in the public discourse, ensuring that we never forget why human rights must be preserved and protected for all Canadians.

A retrospective of Norman’s work is currently on exhibit at the Ottawa Art Gallery – Galerie d’art d’Ottawa now extended until March 24, 2024, and a recording of an interview with Norman and the exhibit curatorial team can be found online at https://youtu.be/G39g9DmJUBE

This is a recording of a live discussion between artist Norman Takeuchi, and co-curators, Catherine Sinclair, Sachiko Okuda, and Bryce Kanbara.  

Two Japanese movies will be available in June!

“My Small Land” and ” The Zen Diary ” will be screened at ByTowne Cinema in Ottawa in June.

Don’t miss out!

The Zen Diary: June 24, 4:15 pm & June 26, 4:00 pm, June 29 6:30pm

Those who watch the movie will receive merchandise provided by the sponsor, such as tea and bags! The number of products is limited.

Adapted from Tsutomu Mizukami’s book, “The Zen Diary” follows Tsutomu, a writer who lives alone in the mountains, writing essays, cooking food with vegetables he grows and mushrooms he picks in the hills. 

His routine is happily disturbed when Machiko, his editor/love interest, occasionally visits to pester him for his next manuscript. She loves to eat, and he loves to cook for her. Tsutomu seems content with his daily life. However, a close brush with death will now force him to decide on what he values most in life and what he must choose going forward.

This gentle, thoughtful drama considers the importance of aligning one’s life with the natural world’s flavours and rhythms.

The Zen Diary” Official teaser (ENG sub)

Buy Ticket

My Small Land : June 20, 6:30 pm

“My Small Land” is a 2022 Japanese-French drama film. The director is Emma Kawada, who makes her directorial debut. Depicts the Kurdish problem in Japan. Lina Kahafizadeh, her first movie appearance and her first starring role, was highly praised for her performance in this work and won various awards.

My Small Land English Subtitled Trailer

Buy Ticket

Kiwi Gardens Art in the Garden

This is one of the best events of the season!

Art in the Garden begins on Father’s Day Weekend.
A celebration, show and sale of creative work to complement and enliven your gardens & outdoor space. Over 20 artists will be present, showcasing their
work throughout Kiwi Gardens.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 16-17-18 June

9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm                                                                      

Book your time of arrival, no limit on time spent at the show.

Tickets: $5.00 per person & $5.00 parking. Refundable if event is cancelled.

More info & Kiwi Garden: 687 Harper Rd, Perth, ON K7H 3C9

Annual Summer Picnic!

This coming Sunday, June 11th 2023 is our annual Summer Picnic!

This year, we are so lucky to feature a wonderful array of talented performers! 

11:00am – The picnic Opens at the Trolley Station of Britannia Park. Refreshments, Sausages, hamburgers and hotdogs will be grilled as soon as the BBQ gets going! 

11:45am – Kids games Begin!

12:30pm – Oto-Wa Taiko Performs!

12:50pm – Kaylie Kreatrix performs a short Circus Act!

1:15pm – Minyo Kai Dances!

1:40pm: Tankobushi!

2:00pm: Suika Wari! 

We encourage you to bring something to enjoy yourself and to share with fellow picnickers!

Parking is available to the east and west of the Trolley Station
(Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre lot is the west side)

RAIN CANCELLATION:
In the event of Rain this Sunday, we will send out a cancellation notice by 10am via eblast and facebook.  Unfortunately there is no alternate picnic date in the event of a cancellation