May 2024 – OJCA/OJCC

‘Make & Take’ Japanese Lantern Workshop

Let’s celebrate Asian Heritage Month in May at the OJCC!
‘Make & Take’ Japanese Lantern Workshop

Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 1 – 4 pm At Ottawa Japanese Cultural CentreClass fee: Members $15, non-members $25

Class size: limited to 15 people

Attached are photos of a sample of the lantern we will be making. All supplies will be provided; however, if you have a ruler, scissors and craft utility knife, please bring them with you.
RSVP to craftsojcc@gmail.com to reserve your spot, as class size is limited, and please wait for confirmation before sending your class fee.

Hope you can join me for this new workshop!

OHANAMI 2024

This past Wednesday, May 1st, Minyo-kai, in coordination with the Ottawa Arboretum and Experimental Farm organization Friends of the Farm celebrated the 2nd annual O-Hanami Flower blossom appreciation event at the Ottawa Arboretum!

From left, Mari, Shigemi( purple kimono),Matt (yellow kimono)

Friends of the Farm member Elizabeth Atkinson.

Though it started as a rainy day, the weather turned beautifully warm and sunny to once again to shine on our event. Organized by Mari Wellman and Shigemi Ichino, O-Hanami opened with a land acknowledgment and words of welcome and education by Arboretum scientist Owen Clarkin and Friends of the Farm member Elizabeth Atkinson.

Arboretum scientist Owen Clarkin and Matt

Those gathered then danced wonderful odori led by Ichino sensei, and once we worked up a healthy appetite, we sat down to a picnic supper under the magnolia blossoms! The arboretum’s cherry trees are not yet robust enough to fully appreciate. Thank you to all in attendance, it was a beautiful late afternoon gathering!

Clip videos of three songs ©Rie Drolet

Ambassador’s Award Presented to June Takahashi

On Tuesday, April 30th, 2024,

Surrounded by a great crowd of family and friends from Ottawa’s Japanese and Judo communities

June Takahashi was conferred with a Certificate of Commendation by

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Kanji Yamanouchi for her lifelong achievements in Judo

and for her commitment to the Japanese Canadian community.

June’s character and achievements were extolled in moving speeches by the ambassador, NAJC redress representative Anne Sunahara, June’s granddaughter Mariko Takahashi, son and Takahashi Dojo Manager Allyn Takahashi, and a beautiful toast from former OJCA President Sachiko Okuda

The certificate reads: The ambassador of Japan extends his deepest regards to Ms. June Takahashi in recognition of her distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Canada.

Congratulations June!