History

The Regina Japanese Cultural Club (RJCC) stands on the strong foundation built by the earliest members of Regina’s Japanese community, who began arriving in Saskatchewan as early as 1909. These pioneers — often young men in their teens and twenties—faced the hardships of a new land and language, economic instability during the Great Depression, and social isolation. In response, they found strength and comfort in each other, creating the community spirit that continues to define our club today.

In 1936, a group of these youth formed Shin-Yo-Kai—with ‘Shin’ meaning the heart, ‘Yo’ coming from Taiyo, the sun, containing meaning of warmness and brightness, and ‘Kai’ meaning club. Meeting weekly to engage in thoughtful discussions inspired by the CBC radio program Things to Come, they built not only friendships, but also a sense of civic participation and purpose. Soon, their parents followed suit, forming both men’s and women’s clubs. Together, these groups laid the groundwork for what would become the Regina Japanese Citizen Club—a joint social group open to people of Japanese ancestry.

Despite the difficulties of the Dirty Thirties, the community thrived in solidarity. Members welcomed newcomers getting them acquainted with the city, introducing them to other families, and helping find employment — often through established Japanese-owned businesses such as Ohashi Tire Exchange, Mikado Tire and Vulcanizing, and Nippon Silk-O-Lina Store. These connections provided vital support during uncertain times. Early projects like a Christmas party for the local Nisei children and the first summer picnic brought joy and unity to the community and started traditions that continue to this day. 

The outbreak of war in 1941 forced all club activities to cease as members sought to avoid attention and protect the community from discrimination. Businesses changed their names, and Japanese Canadians in Regina were required to register with the RCMP and report their whereabouts monthly, but were not interned or dispossessed of their homes and property like those in British Columbia.  

After the war, the club was revived by an influx of new Japanese forced to restart their lives and resettle East of the Rocky Mountains. In 1944, the Regina Nisei Club formed with a renewed commitment to community and cultural preservation. The club rebranded and operated as the Regina Japanese Canadian Club for many years.  As new generations of Japanese immigrants and mixed families joined, the club was renamed the Regina Japanese Cultural Club to show its inclusive nature.  

Today, the RJCC proudly carries on this legacy. We continue to host beloved events such as our annual summer picnic, New Year’s gathering, Ohakamairi (Obon/Cemetery visit), and Keirokai (respect-for-elders celebration), while also introducing new programming like Japanese cooking classes, film nights, and cultural workshops. The club has continued to develop over the years and is now a registered non-profit organization, supporting member of the National Association of Japanese Canadians, and part of a network of Japanese community organizations across Canada.

Though our community remains small, it is friendly, welcoming,  and deeply connected.  We are proud to celebrate and share Japanese culture, not only with those of Japanese ancestry, but with anyone who has an interest in our heritage, language, or traditions. In the spirit of Shin-Yo-Kai, we continue to build bridges across generations and backgrounds — rooted in heart, warmth, and light.