Mr. Abe was an integral part of the creation of Hinode Taiko (we wouldn’t have a name without him!) and was a vital member of the JC community. Mark your calendars!
SHAKU OF WONDROUS GRACE – THROUGH THE GARDEN OF YOSHIMARU ABE |
A new book from Art Miki, Henry Kojima & Sylvia Jansen
BUILDER,
gardener,
COLLECTOR,
artist,
ABE-SAN.
BOOK LAUNCH & READING
Monday, December 3rd, 8:00 PM
McNally Robinson Booksellers
Prairie Ink Restaurant*
Grant Park Shopping Centre, Winnipeg
*come early for dinner; kitchen is closed from 8-8:30pm
A respected Winnipeg builder, an artist, and gardener of the celebrated Japanese Gardens of Winnipeg’s Folklorama, Yoshimaru Abe was an active citizen in his communities his whole life.
“The same gardener was the recipient of numerous international, provincial and community awards. Like many other Japanese Canadians, he faced the challenges of new immigrants; he suffered through the injustices of internment, the difficulties of relocation, and the questioning and conflict around redress. He was an active member of his community as these challenges
were faced. Yoshimaru Abe was also someone whose voice was trusted and honoured: he was called upon to speak countless times at important passages in the history of Japanese Canadians, at functions and funerals, and at moments when wisdom, a sense of history, and courage were most needed.”
– from the Foreword to “Shaku of Wondrous Grace: Through the Garden of Yoshimaru Abe” by Art Miki, Henry Kojima and Sylvia Jansen
It was Abe-san who gave a newly-founded taiko group in the middle of the cold Prairies the name Hinode Taiko in 1983, and watched our progress with kindly interest over the ensuing decades, until his death in 2006. Hinode Taiko remembers his wise presence, and joins the Winnipeg community in celebrating the launch of a work that will help to ensure Abe-san’s spirit and influence continues to speak to future generations.
For more information, please visit www.shaku.ca
