(2008, 35 minutes)

Tak Miyazaki
Born August 1, 1929

Tak Miyazaki was born at the Japanese Hospital in Steveston, BC in 1929. Although he was a fisherman’s son Mr. Miyazaki would always get sea sick while on the water and never thought he would be a commercial fisherman. During relocation Mr. Miyazaki travelled with his family through British Columbia by boat and train before arriving in Bridge River, eventually moving on to Minto City, both self-supporting internment communities.
After internment, Mr. Miyazaki’s father wanted to come back to the West Coast, to fish—the only profession he knew. To do this he needed a permit so he had to temporarily stay in the Interior working in a sawmill.

Eventually moving back to the West Coast, both son and father bought commercial fishing boats and continued to work in the industry for many years. When Mr. Miyazaki was no longer able to work in the fishing industry, his son took over his business. Mr. Miyazaki was a representative of the Steveston community during the redress settlement and is also an active member of the local Buddhist community.

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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