Yoshi Kamei moved from Japan to Canada 34 years ago to find a slower pace.
A computer analyst from Tokyo, he was weary of the hectic lifestyle in the metropolis and pulled out in 1983 to settle in Port Coquitlam.
His retirement, soon afterward, ushered a new chapter.
Kamei was able to spend more time on his artwork and depict his and his wife’s Japanese friends — as well as images of other women he found on the internet — as they went about their daily lives.
In his oil paintings, he captured them in elegant robes — kimonos and yukatas — as they walked in parks, reflected in temples or simply ate ramen noodles and tied up their long, black hair.
Two years ago, after hearing news about his friend’s cancer diagnosis, Kamei decided it was time to exhibit his and his friend’s work in a public setting.
A member of the Port Moody Art Association, he contacted Janice Cotter, gallery manager at the Port Moody Arts Centre (PMAC), to propose a Japanese-themed display to coincide with Asian Heritage Month.
And on Thursday, the fruits of their labour will be revealed with the launch of their first group show titled From Japan to Canada.
Kamei alone has contributed 48 canvasses while his friend, Kanishi “Ken” Suzuki, has offered a dozen pastel pictures of his favourite subject: the Canadian Rockies.
The pair also brought on Mitsuko Fujino, another Japanese native who is known for her colourful acrylic paintings of downtown Vancouver — some of which include Japanese cherry blossoms trees in full pink bloom.
As well, Cotter recruited two more artists of Japanese descent to fill the smaller galleries for the show.
PMAC faculty member Robert Shiozaki, whose family was placed in a B.C. internment camp during the Second World War, will highlight his historical installation in the Ann Kitching Gallery (it was previously at Nikkei Place in Burnaby) while, in the Suncor Gallery, Vancouver artist Terry Sasaki will feature his artwork and kimono redesigns.
Three months ago, Cotter also put out a call for Ikebana vessels to be included in the exhibit; however, of the 11 submissions of the traditional Japanese artwork, none is from a Japanese artist.
Still, the vessels “show how much Japanese culture has influenced our artwork in Canada,” Cotter said.
Besides the opening reception, PMAC will host a spring festival to honour the Japan-Canada bond.
On Saturday, May 27 from 1 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to watch Japanese performances, hear music and take part in traditional activities including:
• a tea ceremony from SaBi Tea Arts;
• a routine from the Otowa Ryu Japanese Dance Group;
• a musical number from Yuriko Nariya and Sachiko Katz-Koto;
• Ikebana demonstrations from Kado Sumi School;
• and origami folding.
Cotter said the Canadian Pacific Gallery will be dressed up for the occasion, with koi-shaped kites suspended from the ceiling (on loan from Shiozaki); kimono-clad ladies will also help out on the day.
• From Japan to Canada runs at the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. Johns St.) from May 11 to June 8. The opening reception on Thursday is from 6 to 8 p.m. Call PMAC at 604-931-2008 or visit pomoarts.ca.
