This interview is with Bob Takagi and Shirley Takagi (nee Usami). They talked about their childhood in Vancouver, BC. Bob talks about his parent's parent's immigration to Canada, his father's employment in Vancouver, languages and religion at home. He talked about schooling and his early employment at a bowling alley and then a berry farm in Mission City, BC. Bob and Shirley talk about celebrating New Years. Shirley talks about growing up in Japan town including attending Japanese Language School. Her parents worked in various employment including a barbershop, fishing, and box factory. She continues talking about social activities. During WWII, Bob was interned in New Denver Internment Camp. They talked about life in the camps. B talks about leaving New Denver and eventually going to Montreal via a former prison camp for Germans (Farnham, QC). Bob talks about his family's employment in Montreal and housing there and noted that he did not experienced discrimination there. After that, Bob relocated to Toronto and married Shirley.
Shirley's parents were born in Victoria, BC and she talks about her maternal grandparents' immigration to Canada. Shirley's grandparents worked at a bathhouse on Powell Street in Vancouver. During WWII, Shirley was interned in Lemon Creek Internment Camp. She talks about going to Japanese language school in the ghost town. After the war, Shirley relocated to Toronto, ON and talks about discrimination she faced.
They talk about the Buddhist church being set up, their marriage in a United Church, and how they met at a dance. Bob talks about retirement while Shirley talks about her employment in Toronto until marriage, then returning to work, then retirement. She talks about how they volunteer for the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC)'s Bazaar and Caravan.