Event Details
Join us for an enchanting evening at the Nikkei Place Foundation Sakura Gala, celebrating 25 years of Nikkei Place—a community built through the vision and dedication of Japanese Canadians (nikkei) to preserve history and culture, and to provide compassionate care for seniors.
This special milestone event will feature the presentation of the Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award to distinguished community leaders Gary Kawaguchi and Sam Yamamoto, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the community. Enjoy a memorable night of live entertainment, auctions, and a plated 3-course fine dining experience from Zen Japanese Restaurant as we celebrate our shared legacy and look toward the future.
The Sakura Gala plays a vital role in sustaining Nikkei Place and advancing key initiatives that will help prepare us for the next 25 years.
Date
Saturday, March 7, 2025
Registration, cocktail reception & silent auction opens at 5pm
Evening program begins at 6 pm
LOCATION
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent
Burnaby, BC
TICKETS
Individual: $250 | Table of 8: $1,800
Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award
2026 Recipients
Gary Kawaguchi
Gary is a distinguished Japanese Canadian community leader and Toronto-based senior executive with a corporate background that includes Pepsi-Cola Canada, Canadian Tire, Canada Trust, and Look Communications. He also founded PRL Benefits Limited and served as President, specializing in employee group benefits, pensions, and Workers’ Compensation. PRL Benefits Limited is a subsidiary company to Purves Redmond Limited one of Canada’s largest independent insurance brokerage companies.
Deeply committed to the Japanese Canadian community, Gary has served as Past President of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) in Toronto and as a Director on the boards of both the JCCC and the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. He has also advised the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society, contributing his corporate expertise to major cultural and community initiatives across Canada. Recently, Gary was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Consul-General of Japan in 2024 for promoting Japanese culture in Canada and friendship and goodwill between Japan and Canada.
Sam Yamamoto
Sam Yamamoto is an accomplished entrepreneur who founded Seaward Construction in 1955, completing major projects for BC Rail, PGE Rail, CN Rail, CP Rail, and others. He has also been a steadfast supporter of Nikkei Place and other charities for decades. For numerous years he served as a Director on the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and Nikkei Place Foundation (NPF) boards, and was subsequently named Director Emeritus of the NPF board in recognition of his service.
With more than 55 years of experience in the construction industry, he has provided invaluable guidance and hands-on support to ensure the development, care, and longevity of Nikkei Place’s facilities. During the construction of the NNMCC, he served on the Building Committee and worked closely with the architect, building contractors, and sub-trades to oversee the quality of workmanship, while ensuring the project was delivered on budget and on schedule. He has been a driving force behind many fundraising and community-building efforts, leveraging his generosity and extensive business and community networks. At 104, he remains an active and highly respected leader whose lifelong commitment continues to inspire and strengthen the Japanese Canadian community.
Ways to Support
Sponsorship
Become a Sakura Gala sponsor — Your support will be seen and celebrated, showcasing your company’s commitment to social good while directly supporting initiatives that preserve Japanese Canadian heritage, celebrate culture, honour seniors, and strengthen community connections.
Donate an Item to Our Auctions and Raffle
Be part of the evening’s auctions and raffle, offering the opportunity for our distinguished audience to discover and engage with your brand. Many donations are tax-receiptable—please ask us for details.
Make a Donation
Celebrate Nikkei Place’s 25th Anniversary with a donation to the Sakura Gala, and receive a charitable tax receipt for your gift.
Contact Us
604.777.2122
gala@nikkeiplacefoundation.org
6688 Southoaks Crescent
Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7