KEIROKAI 2026
On Sunday, May 3rd, family, friends, and dignitaries came together at JCAM to celebrate 73 honoured Elders at JCAM’s annual Keirokai. The front hall was filled with excited energy as 125 guests reunited with each other over a delicious luncheon. JCAM was honoured to welcome Consul General Takehiko Wajima, Vice Consul Yoshiko Okada, and Vice Consul Keito Yahagi to join the celebration.
Keirokai has a deep history in Manitoba with JCAM’s predecessor, Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association (MJCCA), hosting the first Keirokai in 1948 at the Shanghai Restaurant. Except for a four-year hiatus due to Covid, Keirokai has been celebrated every year since 1948 and is our community’s way of thanking the Elders for their perseverance, guidance, and foresight in bringing the Manitoba Japanese Canadian community together.
This year’s event included two special presentations – Consul General Wajima presented the Certificate of Commendation to JCAM’s Past-President, Dr. Kelly Kaita, for his contributions “to the mutual understanding, friendship, and goodwill between Japan and Canada.” JCAM President, Jim Suzuki, presented the JCAM Community Service Award to Ms. Caroline Yamashita for her many years of dedication and volunteerism in the JC community.
The guests enjoyed a wonderful performance by the Kaede Dancers and enthusiastically joined for an audience participation dance. Many thanks to dancers Suzu Kimanivong, Lily Houle, Huk Kimanivong, Crystal XueXuan, and their instructors, Sumi Saito Kimanivong and Noriko Takahashi.
JCAM thanks Edokko Japanese Food for the delicious bento, Miyoko Okano for the very popular mushi manju, Naomi Krasovec for the incredible green tea cookies, and Goodies for the lovely dainties. We also thank the many volunteers who helped throughout the luncheon – Theresa Oye, Cathy Cowen, David Shimizu, Brennan Kaita, Reid Kaita, and Nicholas Kaita.
2026 Keirokai Committee:
Naomi Krasovec, Lisa Kaita, Sumi Saito Kimanivong, and Pamela Okano
