In the spring of 1945, before the end of the war, the Japanese were threatened with further expulsion. The option given was either “dispersal” to places east of the Rockies or “repatriated” to Japan. Initially, 10,000 Japanese Canadians signed for repatriation, many out of fear, or misguided loyalty to Canada. However, with growing opposition to deportation by many Canadian groups, the government withdrew the policy. By this time in 1947, 4000 Japanese Canadians had left Canada; 2000 were Canadian born.
The so-called “repatriation” order that would lead to exiling of some 4000 Japanese Canadians to Japan.
Young children had no choice but to accompany their parents to war-ravaged Japan, a country foreign to them. (photo: JCCC Collection)
Those “repatriating” to Japan gather at Slocan City station in 1946, on their first part of the journey: the train to Vancouver. (photo: JCCC Collection)
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