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Challenges for the Future
What is the future of the Japanese Canadian community?
Considerations must be given to the changing nature of the community. The impact of the high intermarriage rate, the involvement of the post-war and recent immigrants from Japan, and the efforts of the present community organizations to be more inclusive and relevant are factors that will influence the future of the community.
The present intermarriage rate is about 95%. This is the highest amongst all countries with a nikkei populations in the Americas and will have a considerable affect on the future of the community. Another important factor is the role that new immigrants or ijusha. Presently, many immigrants have organized their own organizations rather than participate with the Japanese Canadian groups, mainly because of barriers in language and culture. On the other hand, Japanese Canadians see themselves as different from the immigrant population because of their unique internment and wartime experiences. These gaps need to be bridged.
How many of the children from mixed marriages will relate to their Japanese heritage strongly enough to participate in the Japanese Canadian community?
Will the yonseis and goseis who are assimilated into Canadian culture be interested in their own heritage to participate?
Will Japanese immigrants, especially those married to non-Japanese, desire to associate or play an active role with local or national Japanese Canadian organizations?
The future of the Japanese Canadian community lies in the answers to the questions posed.
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