In celebration of BC Heritage Week, Vancouver Japanese Language School – Japanese Hall present, On Being Yukiko: Virtual Bedtime Story read live by Jeff Chiba Stearns and Lillian Michiko Blakey.
A collaborative graphic novel created by Sansei artist Lillian Michiko Blakey and Yonsei animation filmmaker Jeff Chiba Stearns, this intergenerational story is the first time a graphic novel has ever been created to address both themes of Japanese Canadian history and identity.
Two of Canada’s most notable Japanese Canadian artists, Jeff Chiba Stearns and Lillian Michiko Blakey, come together in an exciting graphic novel collaboration to tell an intergenerational story on family history and cultural identity. Through the blending of two unique artistic styles, Jeff’s cartoony Hapanimation and Lillian’s mixed media realism, 12-year-old Emma learns about her Japanese roots when her Ba-chan tells her the true-life story of her great-great grandmother Maki, a Japanese picture bride, who journeyed to Canada at the turn of the 20th century. Maki’s story of extreme perseverance and sacrifice inspires Emma, who identifies as a quarter Japanese, to discover a deeper connection to her Japanese Canadian identity…and on being Yukiko.
This virtual event is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy a great read before bed!
Fun fact: Our very own establishment, Vancouver Japanese Language School – Japanese Hall is mentioned and pictured in On Being Yukiko!
