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Joy Kogawa
Joy Kogawa, a nisei, was born Joy Nozomi Nakayama in 1935 in Vancouver. In spring 1942, her family was sent to Slocan City, remaining there until 1945 when they moved to Coaldale in southern Alberta. She has established herself firmly in the Canadian literary circles with her poetry and three moving novels: Obasan (1981), Itsuka (1992) and the Rain Ascends (1996) and a children’s book, Naomi’s Road.
Her book, Obasan, had a huge impact with Japanese Canadian readers and the larger Canadian population. Joy’s concern for justice led her into the redress movement, becoming involved in a sansei group called Sodan Kai and the Toronto Chapter of the NAJC. She was the driving force behind the formation of the National Coalition for Japanese Canadian Redress, enlisting the support of high profile contacts in the arts community. Joy has led the way in helping the Japanese Canadian community break the silence and begin the healing process. Obasan has won several book awards and was made a Member of the Order of Canada.
Joy Kogawa talks to Hon, Gerry
Weiner, Minister for Multiculturalism 1988.
(photo: Gordon King)
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Joy speaking at a Redress celebration
dinner in Winnipeg 1989.
(photo: Glen Koga)
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