Irene Tsuyuki
Born December 3, 1925

Irene Tsuyuki was born on Powell Street, the heart of the Japanese Canadian community, in Vancouver, BC. Her mother passed away in childbirth so relatives adopted Mrs. Tsuyuki and her brother. Her father owned a shoe store and she enjoyed helping there during the busy Christmas season. She attended public school and Japanese school.

When Pearl Harbor was bombed, her father was in the hospital due to diabetes complications so her family was one the last to be relocated. Because of this, she was able to complete grade 8. When they arrived in Tashme her father stayed in a temporary hospital. She remembers many things from Tashme including the lack of privacy, school life, many concerts, and watching Japanese movies.

After internment the family moved to Japan due to her father’s poor health. Her father became very healthy in Japan and even stopped taking insulin. Mrs. Tsuyuki never felt welcome at her job in Japan and eventually applied to go back to Canada. A family friend sponsored her to return to Canada and she eventually married one of their sons.

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)

For educational licensing (DSLs) and educational DVDs visit https://movingimages.ca/