Manzo Nagano, seated (centre) with his wife Tayoko on the right and George’s wife Seki on the left. Standing behind on the left is oldest son George and on the right son Frank. 1910. Japanese Consulate of Vancouver. Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre 1994.85.1.a-b
Who was first?
Manzo Nagano was once celebrated as the first Japanese settler in Canada, arriving in 1877, a milestone marked by the 1977 Japanese Canadian Centennial and the naming of Mount Nagano. However, his status as the first immigrant has since been called into question due to inconsistent records and his own contradictory accounts. Records appear to show that others arrived before him. What is know is that Nagano operated a store and hotel in Victoria, which later burned down, prompting his return to Japan, where he lived out his life. His narrative, though contested, symbolizes the pioneering spirit of early Japanese immigrants.
Did you know?
Gihei Kuno, a master carpenter from Mio, Japan, saw opportunity in the Fraser River’s abundant fisheries. Recognizing the potential to uplift his impoverished village, he encouraged fellow villagers to join him in Steveston, laying the foundation for a robust Japanese Canadian community. Known as “Kanada imin no chichi” (Father of Canadian Immigrants), Kuno’s efforts transformed Mio into “Amerikamura” (American Village), reflecting the intertwined identities of Canada and the US in Japanese migration narratives.
Fishing boats moored off Steveston, circa 1928. Ciy of Vancouver Archives, AM640-S1-: CVA 260-106, James Crookall, photographer
A Group Portrait of Men at Britannia Mine; Britannia Beach, BC, before 1915. Kamachi Family collection. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre 2012.1.1
Atagi Boat Works; Stevenson, BC, circa 1915. Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre 2001.6.20
A Group of People at the Maruya Strawberry Farm, circa 1932. Fumiko Yamada (nee Kawata) collection. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre 2014.20.1.2.12
A Group of Men, Women and Children Posing in Front of a Jagged Stump in a Clearing where a Forest Fire Had Previously Taken Place; Steelhead, BC, circa 1917. Original Source: Mrs. Ryukichi Miyake. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre 2010.23.2.4.200
Murakami and Okano families of Salt Spring Island
Family portrait of Okano and Murakami families. Seated l to r: Kimiko Murakami with infant Alice on her knee,Riyo Okano. Standing l to r: Victor Okano, Miyoko Okano, James Okano, Kumanosuke Okano, Katsuyori Murakami, Sayoko Okano. Collection: Murakami Collection, circa 1930s. Salt Spring Island Archives 2004.005.013
Kumanosuke and Riyo Okano sold their fishing boats in 1919 to farm on Salt Spring Island, building greenhouses for tomatoes, berries, and vegetables sold in Victoria.
Their daughter Kimiko married Katuyori Murakami in 1925, and together they supplied strawberries and asparagus to the Empress Hotel, raising 5,000 chickens for eggs.
Known for their generosity, they supported neighbours and funded the Salt Spring Consolidated School, exemplifying community leadership amid restrictive fishing license policies.
More than resource industries
Wherever Japanese Canadian communities of any size sprang up, businesses opened to provide services, some of which catered specifically to Japanese tastes, including food.
A Group Portrait of Mr. Tatsuchi Yoneda and Six Other Men Working in a Tailor Shop; Cumberland, BC, 1909. Original Source: Mrs. Kobayakawa. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre 2010.23.2.4.637
Canadian Cafe and Rooms, 1916. Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre 2001.75.1
S Maikawa Fish Market; Vancouver, BC, 1918. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre 2010.59.1
Kimiko and Riye Nakamura Posing in the Nakamura Florist Shop on Powell Street; Vancouver, BC, Circa 1939. Genzaburo and Kimiko Nakamura Family collection. Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre 2012.10.1.1.254
