Celebrating Yoshi Hashimoto's 20 years of community service
In Memory of Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi
Mitsuo & Emmie Hayashi
Nikkei Place is saddened to share the news that Mitsuo (Mits) Hayashi, one of the founders of Nikkei Place, passed away on January 29, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife Emmie Hayashi, who passed away in August of 2019 after they retired and moved to Japan.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hayashi were longtime community leaders who tirelessly devoted their time, energies, and generous financial support to building and advocating for Nikkei Place, and the larger community, for over 20 years.
“Mits Hayashi had a huge heart; he was an exceptionally caring and thoughtful person. This was most evident in the way he initiated concerts and other events and anonymously donated items that enhanced Nikkei Centre. He was the Society’s bridge to Japan and the Japanese immigrant community, with examples ranging from building relations with the Japanese Consulate to championing the Japanese immigrants on the Centre staff. We were so blessed that he and Emmie chose Vancouver as home in their retirement.”
Craig Natsuhara, NNMCC Director
Mr. Hayashi served as the Vice-President of the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society, Chair/Director of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, a Board member of the Nikkei Place Foundation and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society. He contributed his time to the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia, Nikka Health Care Society, Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association, Nikkei Community Shinnenkai, Vancouver Hakumon-kai, and the Vancouver Japanese United Church. For his contributions to the Japanese Canadian community, Mr. Hayashi was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in 2012 and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. In 2015, Nikkei Place awarded him the Japanese Culture Award.
"Mits and Emmie were a dignified couple who unselfishly dedicated their time and resources to the development of Nikkei Place. They supported many organizations in the Japanese Canadian community, but Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society seemed to occupy a special place in their lives. Always a gentleman, with an awareness of social propriety, Mits served as a vital link between the Ijushya community and Nikkei Place. We will be forever grateful for their involvement and support."
Ruth Coles, NSHCHS President
Mitsuo and Emmie will be remembered for their many contributions to community building at Nikkei Place and beyond, and their dedication to promoting closer relations between Canada and Japan. Their volunteer spirit and generosity will be greatly missed. They leave behind a lasting legacy.
"Mits was a gentleman, and facilitated the relationship between Nikkei Place and the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver. He greatly supported community projects in spirit and financially. We will surely miss him."
Fred Yada, NPF Director, NNMCC Director
Honour Mitsuo & Emmie’s Legacy
Post a message of condolence, memory, or story below, or donate in their memory.
林光夫さん・恵美子さんへの記帳をどうぞ。
お悔やみ、ご夫妻との思い出など、お気軽に（日本語でも英語でも）ご記入ください。
Remembering Shoji Nishihata (1933-2020)
Photo credit: Courtesy of Jon Chiang
Shoji Nishihata
Shoji was one of the Nikkei National Museum's most dedicated and beloved volunteers for over 24 years. His easy-going nature brought a lot of comfort and joy to those of us who worked with him, and rain or shine he came to help every week. His contributions to the museum were many, including drawing the Powell Street map and providing his family photographs for our Powell Street Monogatari exhibit and publication (2011).
Join us in paying tribute to Shoji by watching the documentary "Shoji" by Jon Chiang www.jonchiang.com/shoji. Our sincere condolences to Shoji's children James, Paul, and David, to his grandchildren, and to the Nishihata family and friends.
Celebrating Sam Yamamoto's 99th Birthday!
Happy Birthday Sam!
This year, our dear friend Sam Yamamoto is turning 99! For decades, he has devoted skill, expertise, and generosity to Nikkei Place, and his passion for our community still continues to this day.
Please join in making a donation to Nikkei Place in celebration of Sam’s birthday.
Remembering Robert Banno
Biography
Robert Tadashi Banno, the founding President of both the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre and the Nikkei Place Foundation, passed away on Tuesday, June 16th.
A Sansei, Robert was born on March 9, 1943 at the Tashme Internment Camp during the Second World War. He graduated from Kamloops High School and attended the University of British Columbia, majoring in Economics and Political Science. He graduated from the University of British Columbia’s School of Law. Robert began practicing law in 1969 and had a long and distinguished career. He served as a senior partner at DLA Piper (formerly Davis LLP) , with expertise in Canada-Japan business and trade and aboriginal law. Robert was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013 and in the same year, was also awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions towards the Japanese-Canadian community. In 2016, Robert was honoured with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun.
“Bob, we will sorely miss you, but will never forget your contribution to the Community.”
— HENRY WAKABAYASHI
Robert’s contribution to Nikkei Place was far reaching, including identifying the land Nikkei Place is situated on and serving as the Founding President of the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC). He also led the merger of the National Nikkei Heritage Centre Society and the Japanese Canadian National Museum, forming the NNMHC. In 2002, Robert helped to establish the Nikkei Place Foundation to support the fundraising efforts of both the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS) and served as the Foundation’s Board President until his death.
“We have lost one of our last community builders and he will be deeply missed, however with his leadership we have realized his vision of a unique Nikkei Place that we all enjoy today and for future generations.”
— FRANK KAMIYA
Robert was a beloved and respected member of the Japanese Canadian community. He was a kind, thoughtful and generous leader. The Nikkei Place offer our deepest condolences to his wife Cathy Makihara, his son Kevin, his granddaughter, his brothers Victor & Dale, his extended family, and to his many friends. Robert will be greatly missed.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
On July 11, a small Celebration of Life was held in honor of Robert Tadashi Banno. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a large gathering was not possible. This video was made for everyone to be part of Robert's Celebration of Life.
A memorial table has also been set up at Nikkei Centre for community members to visit, and sign a guestbook to share messages with the family.
Honour Robert’s Legacy
Share a memory, story, or message about Robert Banno, or donate in his memory.