Vancouver Japanese Language School-Japanese Hall: 3rd Floor

We invite participants to experience and connect emotionally with haiku written by issei ancestors – no Japanese language ability required. Facilitators Carolyn and Yoriko will share some of their favourite issei-authored haiku, the methodologies they have developed to poetically respond to haiku, and notes on the meaning of Japanese words and grammar appearing in the poems. Participants will gain an appreciation for the creative powers of issei poets, and have the opportunity to make their own creative reflections, translations, and connections. 

About the Facilitators: Carolyn Nakagawa is a fourth-generation Anglo-Japanese Canadian writer. Her works include poetry, plays, and exhibits on Japanese Canadian history and heritage.  

Yoriko Gillard is a contemporary artist, arts-based researcher, and Japanese language and culture educator and facilitator born and raised in Japan. She teaches at Capilano University and Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.