Laiko Matsubayashi (nee Miyake) was born in July 13, 1930. Laiko talks about her family including her grandmother, Sono Fukuzawa who owned S. Shibuya Store on Powell Street, and her upbringing in Vancouver, BC. Laiko talks about her father’s work and his consideration of moving to Toronto for employment. She talks about cases of racism and not understanding the concept of war as a child. During the war, Laiko and her family was interned in Slocan City. Laiko talks about her memories of living in Slocan City including housing, facilities, schooling, her first winter, and social activities. She also talks about hiding radios and photography equipment. Laiko talks about her family moving from Slocan City to Toronto due to her father’s skilled work where they faced discrimination and racism. She talks about her continuing education in Toronto. After that, Laiko talks about working in the fabric and interior design industry and her work as an interior designer. She recalls her going to social dances in Toronto. Then, she proceeds to talk about her marriage. She talks about the right to vote and talks about the Japanese Canadian Redress.
Clip from Japanese Canadian Experience Conference: https://vimeo.com/338319023