The Samurai In Our Closet

Episode 1a - The Secret in Our Closet

Mandy visits the family closet in her childhood home in Ontario, where her father's samurai sword was hidden, and begins the journey of uncovering his life story. She speaks with writers, historians, and playwrights to understand why so many stories from her father’s generation of Japanese Canadians were never passed down. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a LIKE and comment, which helps to spread the word on this podcast.

Episode 1b - Japantown before the Second World War

Mandy joins a historic walking tour through old Japantown in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where her father enjoyed a happy childhood in a once-vibrant community. After Pearl Harbour, everything changed. Under the War Measures Act, 22,000 Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed from their homes and interned —without cause. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a LIKE and comment, which helps to spread the word on this podcast.

Episode 2 - Internment in a Ghost Town

On a bus tour of remote internment sites in British Columbia, Mandy visits Sandon, a ghost town where her father was sent as a teenager. She learns how Japanese Canadians, mostly women, built strong communities in the camps, focusing on the well-being of children and youth despite harsh conditions. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a LIKE and comment, which helps to spread the word on this podcast.

Episode 3 - From Enemy Alien to the Canadian Intelligence Corps

Mandy explores why her father and other Japanese Canadians — despite being labelled "enemy aliens" — chose to enlist in the Canadian Army. She grew up believing he was just a translator, but uncovers a hidden history of his work in war crimes investigation in SE Asia with Canadian and British Intelligence. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a LIKE and comment, which helps to spread the word on this podcast.

Episode 4 - The Next Generation

Mandy reflects on the resilience and optimism of her grandparents and parents, and their decision to focus on full integration into Canadian society to protect their children. She learns how younger generations are now reclaiming lost stories, and discovers why the history of Japanese Canadians matters more than ever today. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a LIKE and comment, which helps to spread the word on this podcast.