Japanese Canadian War Memorial

The Japanese Canadian War Memorial, a tribute to the Japanese-Canadian soldiers who fought in wars for Canada, was designed by James Benzie and was unveiled in Stanley Park on April 2, 1920. On August 2, 1985, a re-lighting of the memorial to Canadian soldiers of Japanese ancestry in World War I took place.

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Japanese Canadian Memorial Plaque

The memorial located on the south side of the Lumbermens’ Arch Picnic Area, close to the back side of the Vancouver Aquarium.  Nearby is the Miniature Train and Junior Forest Wardens Tree and plaque. Its cenotaph features the name of Japanese-Canadian soldiers who fought for Canada during the World War I, many of whom fought in the battles of Vimy Ridge and Arras Front in 1917.

Check out “Vancouver Aquarium”

Plaque listing Japanese Killed While Serving with Canadian Expeditionary Force

This monument is in lasting memory of the 190 Japanese Canadian soldiers who answered the call of duty for Canada during World War I and to the 54 who laid down their lives in defense of freedom.  Their names are engraved on the monument.

Plaque listing Japanese Who Returned with Canadian Expeditionary Force

During World War I, Japanese-Canadians who wished to enlist as soldiers were not able to do so easily as they were not allowed to enlist at recruitment stations in British Columbia.  In 1916, many had to travel to Alberta to enlist with the Calgary Highlanders. They Japanese-Canadian soldiers later formed their own unit, the 10th Battalion. Seven of the soldiers in the 10th Battalion hailed from Raymond, Alberta and two (Kichimatsu Sugimoto and Teiji Suda) of those seven died during the war.

Centenary of Enlistment Plaque

Next to the memorial is a beautiful Japanese cherry tree that was planted at the time that the memorial was erected.  This tree blooms during spring.

Memorial Base

Japanese Canadian War Memorial:  Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Coordinates: 49°18′04″N 123°07′55″W