Japanese Canadian Boatbuilding Research Project
Introduction
The City of Richmond is seeking a consultant to conduct historical research into the Japanese boat builders of Steveston.
Project Background
Starting in the 1880s, many of BC’s finest fishing boats were built in Nikkei-run boat yards. Their style of construction was clean and workmanship legendary. Japanese Canadian boat builders supplied the boats that fed more than 150 canneries dotting the West Coast, including Steveston. By 1919, there were at least 20 Japanese Canadian boat works on the Steveston waterfront.
This came to an end with the forced internment of Japanese Canadians in 1942. In a matter of hours, the Royal Canadian Navy impounded 1,137 boats which were turned over to the Japanese Fishing Vessel Disposal Committee. Along with the boats and their gear, boat works businesses were sold at rock bottom prices. However, the connection to and renown for boat building was so strong that some Japanese boat builders continued their craft from internment camps.
In 1949, when Japanese Canadians were able to move freely again in Canada, fishing companies sought out these skilled tradesmen, courting them back to the BC coast. Many, such as the Kishi, Mukai, Asari, and Sakamoto families, returned to Steveston and successfully re-established the trade for which they were famous.
The story of these boat builders is central to Steveston’s heritage – illustrating the diversity, ingenuity and resiliency of Steveston’s community. However, much has been lost to time. With support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies fund, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is developing an exhibit that shares the story of these boat builders, their communities, businesses and craftsmanship. To support the development of this exhibit, the City is undertaking a research project to uncover the little known stories of these many men and the businesses they built.
*An overview of this history can be seen in the short video “A Tradition of Boat Building” found here: https://www.richmondmuseum.ca/theatre.