HIC was founded in August 1982 by a few Japanese women who were married to non-Japanese, inspired by "Association for Multi-cultural Families", a women's group in Japan, which was lobbying for the amendments to the then Japanese Nationality Law.
As we live in the multicultural society of Canada with immigrants from over 150 countries, we respect the cultures and social backgrounds of other Canadians, while maintaining our Japanese cultural heritage. Like our Japanese predecessors, we seek methods of extending horizons by harmonizing our culture with the cultures of other Canadians.
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to English Home PageOur Activities
There are three major activities in HIC:
First, we publish a newsletter HARMONYNEWS once a year and distribute free of charge in the Toronto area. It is also sent overseas to those who support our activities. HARMONYNEWS addresses the history, activities and interests of the club and includes articles by the members as well as professionals within Canada and from Japan. Copies may be found at the National Library of Canada in Ottawa among the minority group communication periodicals.Second, we organize reading circles, discussions, study meetings, and lectures. At the very beginning, we studied the proposed amendments to Japanese Family Registration law and Japanese Nationality Law as well as the history of Canada. We also studied issues such as preserving Japanese as a heritage language in Canada, the French immersion system and Ontario's educational system. We held discussions on today's families and organized lectures on health and finance for the middle aged and over. We hold meetings with, and organize lectures by, artists, career women, and other distinguished Canadians or Japanese in their chosen field.
Third, we cultivate members' friendship. Exchanging interesting ideas and information among the members is very valuable. From time to time members' families get together.
In 1992, HIC commemorated its 10th anniversary by organizing major events including a lecture by social critic Ms. Yoko Kirishima of Japan, the publication of "A Ten Year Journey" - the club's 10th anniversary commemorative publication, the issuance of a collection of essays by the members, and a donation to the Japanese-Canadian community in Toronto. It was a success!