Japanese Newspapers in Canada: Past & Present

Japanese newspapers have played a vital role in the history and cultural life of Japanese Canadians. These publications have served as a means of maintaining cultural identity, fostering community cohesion, and keeping the Japanese Canadian community informed about events both in Canada and Japan. As technology has advanced, many of these newspapers have transitioned from traditional print formats to digital platforms, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

Why Did Japanese Newspapers Start in Canada?

The establishment of Japanese newspapers in Canada is closely tied to the history of Japanese immigration to the country. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japanese immigrants began settling in Canada, primarily in British Columbia. The 2016 census recorded 121,485 individuals of Japanese origin in Canada, with 45,060 being first-generation immigrants, 37,615 being second generation, and 38,810 being third generation or more.

As these communities grew, there was a need for a means of communication that could keep them connected to their cultural roots and to each other. Japanese-language newspapers filled this need, providing news from Japan, local community information, and a platform for discussion and debate.

Japanese-Canadian girls reading signs outside the school

Historical Newspapers (No Longer Published)

Kanada Shinbun (加奈陀新聞)

Kanada Shinbun, also known as The Canada Daily, was a significant Japanese-language newspaper published in Vancouver before World War II. It succeeded the Kanada Shinpō in 1923, but its exact relationship to the Kanada Nichi Nichi Shinbun, another prominent Japanese newspaper of the time, is not entirely clear.

Tairiku Nippo (The Continental Daily News)

Tairiku Nippo was a Japanese-language newspaper published in Vancouver from 1902 to 1941. It served as an essential source of information and community connection for Japanese Canadians in the city. However, with the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent internment of Japanese Canadians, the Canadian government banned the publication of Japanese-language newspapers, forcing Tairiku Nippo to cease operations.

Tairiku Jiho (The Continental Times)

In the aftermath of World War II, Tairiku Jiho emerged as a successor to Tairiku Nippo. Published in Toronto from 1948 to 1982, it served the needs of first-generation Japanese Canadians (Issei) who had resettled in Ontario. In 1982, Tairiku Jiho was succeeded by Kanada Taimusu (Canada Times), which continued publication until 1998.

What Japanese Newspapers are Available Online Today?

Japan Canada Today (Formerly Vancouver Shinpo, バンクーバー新報)

Japan Canada Today, or JC Today, is a comprehensive online news platform that serves as a bridge between Canada and Japan. Previously known as Vancouver Shinpo (バンクーバー新報), a Japanese newspaper based in Vancouver, JC Today was established in July 2020 by MH Pacific Media Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The site provides news and information in both Japanese and English, catering to Japanese Canadians and anyone interested in Japanese culture and community events in Canada.

Key features and sections of JC Today include:

Local News: Updates on events in Japanese Canadian communities, especially in Vancouver.
National News: Insights into Canadian politics, business, and culture.
Japanese Community: Directory of organizations, businesses, and resources for Japanese Canadians.
Living in Canada: Guides on education, healthcare, and employment for Japanese Canadians and newcomers.
Culture and Travel: Features on Japanese food, art, travel, and language.
Opinion and Analysis: Editorials and interviews on topics pertinent to the Japanese Canadian community.

Nikkei Voice

Nikkei Voice was founded in 1987 to keep the Japanese Canadian community informed about the ongoing redress movement, which sought to address the injustices of the World War II internment. Over time, it has evolved into a national newspaper for Japanese Canadians, covering a wide range of topics, from community events and cultural activities to news and politics. Published ten times a year in Toronto, Nikkei Voice is a vital platform for Japanese Canadian expression and communication.

Key aspects and sections of Nikkei Voice include:

News and Features: Diverse articles on Japanese Canadian culture, history, and perspectives, including opinions and reviews.
Community Events: Updates on local events, initiatives, and accomplishments throughout Canada.
Arts and Entertainment: Highlights of Japanese Canadian artists, writers, musicians, and performers, plus reviews of relevant cultural works.
Heritage and History: Content focused on preserving and promoting Japanese Canadian heritage and connecting generations.
Community Voices: Op-eds and contributions from members of the Japanese Canadian community.
Obituaries and Memorials: Tributes to notable Japanese Canadians who have passed away.

Role of Japanese Canadian Newspapers for the Community

Japanese Canadian newspapers have been instrumental in shaping and maintaining the community’s identity, culture, and sense of belonging. These publications serve as essential platforms for communication, information sharing, and cultural preservation.

Maintaining Cultural Roots

Japanese Canadian newspapers help preserve Japanese language, customs, and traditions, fostering a strong connection to the community’s roots and preventing cultural assimilation. They provide a space for exploring the unique experiences of being Japanese Canadian, contributing to the development of a distinct cultural identity.

Unifying the Community

Newspapers like Japan Canada Today and Nikkei Voice connect individuals and families across the country, creating a sense of shared experience and belonging. They provide a platform for community members to voice their opinions and concerns, fostering dialogue and understanding.

Empowering and Informing

Japanese Canadian newspapers offer valuable information and resources on education, healthcare, employment, and immigration. They share success stories and best practices, empowering community members to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Advocating for Rights and Justice

Throughout history, Japanese Canadian newspapers have been instrumental in advocating for the community’s rights and interests, such as during the redress movement. Today, they continue to highlight issues affecting the community and advocate for positive change.

Preserving Collective Memory

These newspapers act as repositories of the community’s collective memory, documenting the struggles, triumphs, and everyday experiences of Japanese Canadians. Digitizing archives ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate their ancestors’ sacrifices and contributions.

Promoting Intercultural Understanding

Japanese Canadian newspapers play a vital role in promoting intercultural understanding by sharing Japanese Canadian stories, perspectives, and cultural insights with a broader audience, breaking down stereotypes and fostering appreciation for the community’s unique heritage.

The history of Japanese newspapers in Canada is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Japanese Canadian community. From the early days of print publications to the current era of digital media, these newspapers have played a crucial role in maintaining cultural identity, fostering community connections, and providing a platform for Japanese Canadian voices. As Canada continues to embrace its multicultural heritage, Japanese Canadian newspapers will undoubtedly continue to evolve and thrive, serving as a vital link between the past, present, and future of this vibrant community.