By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Nikka Yuko fundraiser to feature author with important story

Aug 15, 2018 | 2:20 PM

LETHBRIDGE – “We’re really, really proud of him.”

Ron Sakamoto struggled a little as he spoke at a news conference Wednesday, Aug. 15 at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. The Lethbridge entrepreneur and promoter is co-sponsoring the Golden Maple Reception, a fundraiser for the garden Saturday, Sept. 15.

The guest speaker is author Mark Sakamoto, Ron’s nephew. He’s taken a story of war, family, and humanity all the way to the top of the Best Seller list.

It’s their story.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

25m ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

21h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

“I didn’t know some of the things he had written in the book. It was heartfelt for sure,” Ron said. His mother – Mark’s paternal grandmother – was a Canadian of Japanese descent from Vancouver who was forced, along with her family, to work on an Alberta farm during the Second World War. Around the same time, Mark’s maternal grandfather was held in a prisoner of war camp in Japan.

“It hit hard,” recalled Ron about reading the book, Forgiveness: A Gift from My Grandparents.

James Phelan, Nikka Yuko’s marketing and special events manager, feels it’s a timely memoir, and relevant.

“Obviously, the story is very much a southern Alberta story, and it’s a Canadian story,” he said. “But we have, once again, over the course of this year seen issues of indignity and citizenship move into uncertainty. And that’s part of the reason why it was so important for us to host this event.”

The critically-acclaimed book, first published in 2014, was this year’s winner of the CBC Canada Reads competition. It was championed on the show by broadcaster Jeanne Beker. Plans are now underway to adapt it for television.

The fundraiser will be in two parts. A reception from 4:30-6 p.m. will be at the garden and feature the debut of an exhibition by Dr. Junichi Saga of art, calligraphy, and poetry. Then at 6:45 at the University of Lethbridge, Sakamoto will make a presentation, take part in a question-and-answer session, and sign copies of his book.

Phelan said the reception will be the garden’s signature fall event.

“We’ve really seen a renewed interest in the Japanese Garden, and a lot of people who are reconnecting with the Japanese Garden, and a lot of that has to do obviously with the 50th anniversary and the Imperial visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Ayako,” he explained. “Also, the winter lights festival has really made the garden a year-round facility, and the City of Lethbridge, their new commitment to help support the garden with the Henderson multi-use facility, is really creating a renewed interest in this.

“And this is another step to create a deeper connection in our community.”

Tickets are available at the Nikka Yuko visitors centre. They’re $50 for both the reception and speaking event. People can also buy tickets for the Mark Sakamoto event only for $10.