Recreation
Young Buddhist Association baseball team, Raymond, Alberta, 1935.
Galt Museum & Archives, 19790283004.
The Issei enjoyed both traditional and western forms of entertainment.
Concerts including songs, skits, and a shibai(theatre production) depicting a well-known novel or samurai tragedy were held at the Raymond Buddhist Temple as part of festivals and celebrations.
The Issei also held picnics, and a baseball game between the Hardieville and Raymond teams was often the highlight of the day. The Japanese also enjoyed a number of traditional games and activities at home like a card game called Karuta, Shogi (a chess like game) and Go (a game of strategy).
Integration into mainstream culture was important. Rural Japanese families attended Christmas and Halloween parties at the district school. After the Christmas party, there would be a social with dancing.
Traditional activities like Judo spread into the mainstream with the help of the Japanese Canadian community.
Chess Set, ca 1900-1910.
Galt Museum & Archives, P19800005000.
Shogi
Shogi was introduced to Japan from China and evolved into a complex chess style game. Playing pieces are all the same colour and the direction of play is indicated by the shape of the pieces. Unique to this game is the fact that captured playing pieces can be returned to the board by the person who gained possession of them.
Additional information for this item is available on the Galt Museum & Archives website.
Judogi, ca 1930-1940.
Galt Museum & Archives, P19790274000.
Judo
Judo, a traditional martial art, was brought to southern Alberta by Japanese immigrants. Sensei, or teachers, passed on their knowledge to Japanese and non-Japanese students.
This judogi belonged to Yoshio Senda who became Head Sensei in Lethbridge and was also head coach for many Canadian National teams.
Additional information for this item is available on the Galt Museum & Archives website.
Bussei Baseball Uniform, ca 1950-1955.
Galt Museum & Archives, P20110030000.
Baseball
After a day’s work in the beet fields, young Japanese Canadian men hurried to the baseball diamond to play for the Busseibaseball team from Raymond, Alberta. Bussei uniforms were donated by the Raymond Buddhist Temple.
This particular uniform was worn by Roy Sassa while playing left field for the Busseiteam in the Sugar Beet League.
Additional information for this item is available on the Galt Museum & Archives website.