I’ve long been curious about the collections of Japanese-language poetry written by survivors of internment during their time in the camps. Although I am a rarity in my generation for having had the opportunity and privilege to study the Japanese language, I haven’t felt confident reading poetry in Japanese. I want to break this barrier between myself and these poems. Who is better suited to appreciate haiku written in internment camps than me, a poet who has studied both Japanese Canadian history and Japanese language?

My journey with Laura Fukumoto from Nisei Mending Circle to Yonsei Mending Circle - spoiler alert: pandemic. Featured image: Kayla Isomura.

Poetry in the Park, and upcoming at Vines Festival

If you’ve had a conversation with me anytime in the last four years about my artistic work, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard me talk about The New Canadian, the grassroots community newspaper founded by idealistic young Japanese Canadians in 1938 Vancouver. Ever since I first learned their incredible story, I’ve felt that it’s better than anything I could try to make up. I started archival research on The New Canadian in 2017, with the intention to write a play about its staff; somewhere along the line, the play became a musical.