This is an article I contributed to the August 8th issue of Nikka Today.
The "Karada to Kokoro no Deai no Kai" (Body and Mind Encounter Association), a group that performs Eisa dance and theatrical productions in Japan and overseas, is visiting Vancouver, Canada, ahead of a performance scheduled for early August. To celebrate the group's visit to Canada, a reception was held on July 26th at SELC Language College in downtown Vancouver, hosted by the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce.
—The history of World War II, which continues to be passed down to this day
The "Body and Mind Encounter Association," which attended this social gathering, has visited more than five countries so far, spreading awareness about the history of World War II and peace through theater and Eisa dance.
The group consists of approximately 80 members, including not only adults but also two-year-old children who perform on stage as accomplished actors. The end of World War II was about 80 years ago. To the current generation, World War II may seem like a distant event, but this group continues to convey history through its performances and communicate ideas about the future to future generations.
The Vancouver Japanese Language School is scheduled to perform "Naomi's Tree," a work based on the art of Joy Kogawa. The piece uses music, dance, and spoken word to tell the story of Naomi, a Japanese-Canadian girl who lost her mother in the atomic bombing during World War II.
Approximately 40 people gathered for the reception. Consul General Satomi Okagaki of the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver also participated and said, "When I heard that Joy Kogawa's work would be performed by Japanese performers, I was delighted to see it as a wonderful activity to convey Japanese culture. Receptions like this are also valuable opportunities to interact with performers and learn about their way of life. I hope that through their stay in Canada, not only will there be performances, but also encounters between people, which will serve as a catalyst for deepening the relationship between Japan and Canada."
- Communicating Japanese history through Eisa dance and theater that express a wish for peace.
This is the 13th time the Body and Mind Encounter Association has visited Canada.
Decades ago, when Yoko Matsui, the head of the organization, first visited Canada, she was deeply shocked by the differences between Canadian and Japanese theater. Having been involved in theater herself, she spoke about her experience, which led to an opportunity to perform Eisa dance in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre happened to see the performance and approached her, saying, "This is a wonderful activity that inspires pride in the Japanese people." Since then, she has visited Canada every year to perform Eisa dance and theater to promote Japanese history and culture.
Matsui, the director, said, "During World War II, many people suffered hardships, not only within Japan but also among Japanese Canadians living in Canada. I didn't know about this until I visited Canada. I was shocked and deeply saddened to realize that many Japanese people in Japan are also unaware of this fact. Through Eisa dance and theater, which express a wish for peace, I want more people to learn about Japanese history."
"Our stage blends the history of the past with the new culture that will shape the future. We want to use our own unique methods of expression to give more people an opportunity to think about Japanese history and peace," he said.
—A new and unique initiative connecting Japan and Canada
The Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce holds these kinds of social gatherings several times a year with the aim of promoting understanding of its activities among new members and connecting people with one another.
Sammy Takahashi, Chairman of the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce, said, "The Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce is working with business organizations to connect Japan and Canada in new and interesting ways. This year, we partnered with Selk Language College to teach English to members of the Body and Mind Encounter Association."
"I think it's truly wonderful that the members of the Body and Mind Encounter Association continue to visit Canada every year, even while they are all working their own jobs. Having watched their activities for many years, I can feel that they sincerely wish for peace and love. The Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce supports activities like this that connect Japan and Canada through culture," he said.
(Contributed by the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce / Text by Maria Tagami)
