| Every year, thousands of people from all over
the world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different
skills and with the hope of contributing to their new society. This cultural
profile was written to help Canadians welcome Japanese immigrants to Canada.
It will tell you something about Japanese people
and what life is like in their original home. This information will be
useful if you are hosting a Japanese family as part of the HOST Program,
learning about Japan in school or working with Japanese colleagues who
have recently settled in Canada. |
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| Japanese newcomers will find many people from
their cultural group already in Canada. While this may help make their
transition a little smoother, it is important to remember that any move
to a new country and culture can be difficult. You can help Japanese immigrants
adjust to Canada and answer their questions about Canadian systems and
social conventions. You will probably find that you have many things in
common with your Japanese friends and have a lot to learn from them. |
|
Did you know? |
| Japan’s
flag, a red circle on a white background, symbolizes The land of the rising
sun. |
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| Many Japanese-Canadians have enriched Canadian
life. Seiji Ozawa was conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra during
the 1960s. Japanese-Canadian author Joy Kogawa wrote Obasan, a moving book
about the experiences of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War.
David Suzuki, a scientist and environmentalist, is an advocate of environmental
issues and has created science programming for children and adults. Raymond
Moriyama, an architect, has designed many important buildings in Canada.
Although this cultural profile provides insight
into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described
may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Japan. |
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|
Summary Fact Sheet |
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| Official
Name |
Japan (Nippon) |
| Capital
City |
Tokyo |
| Type of
Government |
Parliamentary Monarchy |
| Population |
125 million |
| Area |
377,800 sq. km |
| Major
Ethnic Group |
Japanese |
| Language |
Japanese |
| Religions |
Buddhism, Shinto, Christianity |
| Unit of
Currency |
Yen |
| National
Flag |
White background with red circle in
the centre |
|
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