Jan Nobuto

Jan started volunteering at the JCCC in 2010 when she was asked to help work on the JCCC community cookbook, Just Add Shoyu, which was nominated in 2011 for the Canadian Culinary Arts Award and can now be found in their archives at Guelph University.

Following the work on the cookbook Jan joined the Heritage Committee under the leadership of Peter Wakayama and in 2014 joined the JCCC Board of Directors. After Peter retired as Chair of Heritage, Jan accepted that role which has grown to include responsibilities for the Moriyama Nikkei Heritage Centre, the JCCC Art Gallery, Archives, the Sedai Project, and events such as Nostalgia Night and the Nikkei Veterans Memorial Service and Luncheon.

Jan is involved with several committees such as the Volunteer, Ishizue Award, and the Sakura Gala Committees, and helps with the Senior Supper Club.

Prior to becoming a JCCC volunteer Jan was a classroom teacher for 11 years before becoming the District’s Professional Development Coordinator for the Toronto District School Board. After retiring from the TDSB she went on to work for the HOPE Foundation in the United States, working with school districts and teachers to help them improve their student achievement.

Jan has two children and three grandsons, who keep her very busy in her spare time.