Heritage markers have been put up in Mitchell's Bay to commemorate the Japanese people brought to the area as farm labourers during the Second World War.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in partnership with the National Association of Japanese Canadians, put up two plaques and planted a Sakura tree in Mitchell's Bay Park Friday.
Several guest speakers were on hand for the event including local MPPs, the Consul General of Japan in Toronto Takako Ito, past president of the National Association of Japanese Canadians Ken Noma, and Peter Wakayama, whose family was moved to Ontario during the war.
"My formative years were in Chatham. This was my home," Wakayama said. "The experience in British Columbia wasn't the greatest because our parents were uprooted when the war came and had to start all over again back here in Ontario. When I think of what they went through, I really have to thank them for what they did for their family."
The event also included a performance by Ten Ten, which is an evolving art experiment with roots in the Japanese folk tradition. Aki Takahashi interprets folk traditions through her own experiences, ensuring that they retain the spark of vitality which they had when first created.
Peter Wakayama tells the story of his family's journey to Ontario during the Second World war. September 7, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)
CK Mayor Randy Hope (left), poses with Takako Ito, Consul General of Japan in Toronto (middle) and Ken Noma, Past President of the National Association of Japanese Canadians, with the new Sakura tree planted in Mitchell's Bay Park. September 7, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)