The year 2008 has been significant in many ways. It is the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan as well as the 20th anniversary of achieving Redress for the injustices experienced by Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. Thus, it was more than suitable to hold the first annual Sakura Ball gala on November 15, to celebrate the completion of the final phase of the JCCC expansion project, which began 10 years ago.

Under this year’s theme of mankai or full blossom, the event recognized the full blossoming of an idea born in the living rooms of the Japanese Canadians some 50 years ago. It was the dream to create a home and a place for Japanese Canadians families to gather in Toronto. As Marty Kobayashi, president of the JCCC explained, the Centre has "not only achieved but exceeded our families' dreams. It has evolved to bring together families and many communities together so we can pass down our traditions and cultures and not only to next generation but to all Canadian at large."

The extravagant evening was sold out early and welcomed many community leaders and supporters, politicians and dignitaries, corporate sponsors, and special guests. Some of the noted guests in attendance included, Beverley Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, Roy McMurtry, former Ontario Chief Justice, Donald Campbell, former Ambassador of Canada to Japan, Tsuneo Nishida, Ambassador of Japan to Canada, Art Miki, former NAJC National president, Consiglio Di Nino, senator, John Tory, Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader, David Tsubouchi, former Ontario Cabinet Minister, Raymond Moriyama, architect of the former JCCC building on 123 Wynford Drive, and Bruce Kuwabara, architect of the current JCCC building.

The gala featured excellent food including Washugyu beef and Nova Scotia salmon, and breathtaking entertainment by the Nagata Shachu taiko ensemble and Juno award winning Jazz vocalist Sophie Milman.

The highlight of the evening was the keynote speaker, the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. Mulroney was the 18th prime minister of Canada, from 1984 to 1993. He is remembered by Japanese Canadians as the PM who in 1988 gave Japanese Canadians a symbolic apology for the forced evacuation, and offered a financial compensation package of $300 million. This amount included individual compensation, community funds, and the establishment of a Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

In the introduction by Bill Hatanaka, chairman and CEO of the gala’s main sponsor TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., Mulroney was thanked for his leadership and bringing a measure of resolution for Japanese Canadians.

Mulroney’s thought evoking speech reflected on his personal memories during his time in office when he acted to bring justice to the Japanese Canadians.

What happened to the Japanese Canadians in wartime must never be allowed to happen again in this country... The Japanese Canadians lost everything – except their dignity, their personal honour and their tenacious sense that, in spite of everything, this was their country. There was never a shred of evidence, then or later, of any disloyalty to Canada. Indeed, the attempts of many Japanese Canadians to enlist in our armed forces were rudely rebuffed. …But I remember thinking on that memorable day in Ottawa 20 years ago, that this was the essence of democracy. Democracy is imperfect, but it generally gets things right, or makes them right, in the end. And I thought too what a high honour it was for me to serve as Prime Minister when Canada finally touched the hearts and souls of those in the Gallery and told them how sorry we were for the searing injustice inflicted upon good and loyal Canadians and how proud we are to have them as citizens of this great nation. It was a moment in the House of Commons that made me proud to have chosen a career in public service. It is to do good things for Canada that people of all political persuasions actually go into politics – and on a September day in 1988 we did precisely that.

Later in the evening, Brian Mulroney was presented with the Sakura Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions made by individuals to the promotion and exchange of Japanese culture and enhancing awareness of Nikkei heritage within Canada and abroad. A Japanese doll entitled “eternity” symbolizing the lasting friendship between Japan and Canada, and created by doll maker Kimiko Koyanagi was also presented along with the award.

MCs for the evening were sansei Mary Ito, with an extensive career in TV and broadcast working for a variety of media outlets; and ijusha Yuki Nakamura, media professional, producer and host of OMNI TV’s Japanese language show Wai Wai Wide, as well as a filmmaker. Both were dressed in pink representing the pretty pink colours of the sakura flowers.

For information concerning the Sakura Ball, please contact Michael Kim at (416) 441-2345 ext. 225.