"Ohanashi: The Story of Our Elders, Alfie Kamitakahara"
(2008, 43 minutes)

Alfie Kamitakahara
Born January 29, 1929

Both of Alfie Kamitakahara's parents were from a small village in Japan. Growing up in a large family in Steveston, Mr. Kamitakahara describes his childhood as a 'Huckleberry Finn' lifestyle; afternoons spent rafting down the river and getting caught with a slingshot. His father was one of the few issei (first generation immigrants) who spoke English well and often was the community representative. Their family had the only telephone in the village and Mr. Kamitakahara would often listen in to hear what was going on.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, all fishing boats in Steveston were confiscated; Mr. Kamitakahara remembers being part of a convoy headed up the river. When sent to Hastings Park he was old enough to be separated from his younger siblings and had to obtain a pass to see his mother. After Hastings Park the family travlled to Slocan. Upon arrival they discovered their housing had not been built, so they had to stay in tents that night which collapsed under the snow. He has many memories of life in Slocan including local talent shows, fighting forest fires and the arrival of Japanese food sent by the Japanese government courtesy of the Red Cross.

After internment, Mr. Kamitakahara moved to Alberta to work on a farm which was very hard work, having to cope with ice, snow and mud, all using a horse-drawn tractor. He later married an accomplished hairdresser and started his own insurance agency.

“Ohanashi: The Story of Our Elders” presents the deeply personal and poignant stories of ten Japanese Canadian elders. Through their firsthand accounts, the series explores their lives before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the hardships of internment during World War II, and their resilience in the face of post-war challenges.

Each episode of “Ohanashi: The Story of Our Elders” is a testament to the resilience, courage and enduring spirit of Japanese Canadians who lived through one of the darkest chapters in Canadian history. Through their voices, the series ensures their legacy lives on for future generations.

Director: Susanne Tabata
Producer: Susanne Tabata

-Alfie Kamitakahara (43 minutes)
-Irene Tsuyuki (45 minutes)
-Kazue Oye (30 minutes)
-Marie Katsuno (35 minutes)
-May Komiyama (34 minutes)
-Midge Ayukawa (33 minutes)
-Shirley Omatsu (44 minutes)
-Susumu Tabata (44 minutes)
-Tak Miyazaki (35 minutes)
-Tom & Shig Kuwabara (47 minutes)

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