The Samurai in Our Closet

What if the most powerful story you ever learned was the one your family never told you?

On Sunday, November 30 at 2 pm, the JCCC Sedai Project presents a special live event on the acclaimed podcast The Samurai in Our Closet.

Mandy Shintani grew up with a secret: her father George hid a 450-year-old samurai sword that was never spoken of, in their family closet. She retraces her father’s remarkable life to uncover the untold stories of Japanese Canadians—from his childhood in Vancouver’s vibrant Japantown, his teen years interned in a remote ghost town, to where he received his samurai sword while serving with the Canadian Intelligence Corps in Singapore at only 20. Finally, she explores how the next generation is recovering these stories to ultimately better understand our grandparents, our parents, and ourselves.

"Captivating" — Joyce Shimokura

"One of the best podcasts I have ever listened to" — Mary Kitagawa, Order of BC

Join us for this one-hour presentation with Mandy and researcher Susan Yatabe to hear behind-the-scenes insights from 70+ interviews, including from the Sedai Project, readings from interviewee from the podcast, as well as excerpts from the project Experiences of an Internment Camp Teacher, a moving story based on Susan’s mother. A Q&A will follow the talk.

Celebrate this beautiful tribute to the JC community—light refreshments will be served. The podcast is available at www.thesamuraiinourcloset.com.