Book Launch: Beyond Sayonara: To My Dear Brother in Canada

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Vancouver Japanese Language School (VJLS) hosted a book launch for Beyond Sayonara: To My Dear Brother in Canada, by Eitaro Muramoto and Sharon Kawasaki-Chan. The bulk of the book is a replica of a blue notebook filled with letters, poems, and illustrations created by Eitaro in Japan between 1949 and 1952 for his older brother Ryota – Sharon’s father – who was living in Canada. 

The first part of the book provides a backstory to the “book within a book,” telling the story of two brothers separated by an ocean and world events but connected through a love for one another. 

Two years in the making, created through the concerted efforts of a dedicated team of people, the book was completed and printed with the help of a Family Sharing & Healing grant from Japanese Canadian Legacies. 

Eitaro passed away at age of 27 from tuberculosis, but his poetry, letters and beautiful illustrations live on, not just in the pages of this remarkable book, but in the hearts of everyone who collaborated on the project and were deeply moved by the story. For Sharon, getting to know the uncle she never met through her years’ long efforts to have the book translated and published has greatly enriched her life and brought her family closer. 

At the book launch, many in attendance were brought to tears by the emotional story behind the publication. A number spontaneously stood up to share their own experiences within the safe and welcoming environment at the VJLS. It was deeply moving for everyone in attendance.

Thank you to coordinator Eri Hato and everyone at the VJLS.