Independence, respect, dignity, privacy, choice—five cornerstones of adulthood that are too often forgotten when the time comes to face the changes in lifestyle that are a natural part of aging. While many seniors maintain a degree of independence well into their later years, there comes a time when some level of support is needed—with the need generally increasing over time.
The Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society is a non-profit charitable organization, dedicated to providing supportive housing for Japanese seniors. The Society operates two residential facilities: Nikkei Home, a Supportive Housing and Assisted Living residence, and New Sakura-so, a housing complex for independent seniors aged 55 and over.
Our proud history
当協会は、1975年9月に日系カナダ人とさくら荘の住宅を設立するための日系カナダ人協会として始まり、2000年に介護施設建設のために設立されたBC州日系カナダ人ヘルスケア協会と合併しました。 この2つの組織の合併により、新組織は日系シニアズヘルスケア住宅協会(以下、日系シニアズ )と改名されました。
この組織は、選挙で選ばれた理事会によって運営される非営利の慈善団体です。 日系シニアズでは「健康で長生き」をビジョンに掲げ、高齢者のケアに力を注いでいます。
私たちの使命と目標
私たちの使命は、地域の高齢者のために、支援と自立のための住居とケアを提供することです。私たちは、「自立」「尊重」「尊厳」「プライバシー」「選択」を大切にしています。この5つの基本は、加齢に伴うライフスタイルの変化に直面したとき、忘れられがちです。
• 安心(あんしん)して暮らせること
• 幸せを感じ、大切にされ、尊重されていると
感じること
• 支援されている、社会とつながっていると感
じること
• 人生をできるだけ楽しむこと
• 安心して暮らせる、自宅で暮らせること
理事
2025-2026
山本 博
Hiroshi came to Canada alone in 1971 from Tokyo when he was 19 years old. He studied, worked, and raised his own family in Canada ever since, making him a “New Issei” among the Nikkei community in Canada. Hiroshi graduated from the University of British Columbia with an engineering degree and holds P.Eng., LEED AP, and Managing Broker professional designations. Hiroshi worked and retired from the commercial real estate industry in the end, including advising many companies and businesses from Japan during his tenure. He enjoys serving the Nikkei community by giving back what he had received from in the past, and he believes in passing on the history, knowledge, value, wisdom, and spirit of the Nikkei community to next generation. His passions are lifelong learning, cycling, walking, hiking and trekking through outdoor nature in Canada, US, and around the world.
Chris Oikawa
Chris is a sansei from Vancouver. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography and Marine Biology and a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition from the University of British Columbia. His career includes roles as a Distance Education Instructor at UBC, Research Technician with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Nutrition Manager for Skretting North America. He is currently the Production Manager at Coastwise Processors, a manufacturer of canned pet food. Chris has long supported the Nikkei community—helping organize the 1993 Pan American Nikkei Association meeting in Vancouver, co-founding the Japanese Canadian Youth Group (1993), chairing the Nikkei Centre Programs Planning Committee (1993–2001), and now volunteering with the Powell Street Festival Salmon BBQ and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society as Vice President.
Ruth Coles (nee Nakatani)
MSW, Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays (Japan)
Ruth Coles earned her BA from the University of British Columbia and MSW from the University of Toronto. With over 30 years in health care leadership at Providence Health Care, she has championed compassionate, culturally sensitive, and inclusive care. A founding member of the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society (NSHCHS) since the 1980s, Ruth helped establish New Sakura-so and Robert Nimi Nikkei Home, and has remained deeply committed to Nikkei Place’s growth and community impact ever since. She has served as Vice President of the NSHCHS board, President (2010–2022), and now serves as a Director. In 2022, she received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for her contributions to the Japanese Canadian community and for promoting friendly relations between Japan and Canada. In 2024, Ruth was honoured with the Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award from Nikkei Place Foundation for her foundational contributions.
ブライアン 辻
30年以上の経験を持つ移民弁護士。Davis LLPバンクーバーオフィス勤務。日本語と英語を話し、東京、トロント、バンクーバーでの勤務経験がある。これまで50カ国以上のクライアントの代理人をしてきました。カナダ弁護士協会(CBA)移民部門の元ナショナルエグゼクティブメンバーであり、CBAブリティッシュ・コロンビア移民部門の元会長でもあります。また、日系プレース財団の理事も務めています。
Yuji Matson
Yuji is a lawyer in British Columbia whose practice areas include corporate/commercial, immigration, employment, real estate, and wills/estates. He earned his law degree from the University of Victoria and a Master of Laws Degree in International Economic and Business Law from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. He also interned at the Hague Conference on Private International Law in Netherlands. Fluent in Japanese, Yuji previously taught in Japan and holds M.A. in Japanese studies from UVic, and B.A. degrees in Asian Studies from UBC. He has served Vancouver’s Japanese community through various boards including GVJCCA, the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Kiyukai Vancouver Japanese Business Association.
Patty Ruegamer
After retiring from a marketing role at Yokohama Tire to raise her three sons, Patty stayed active in her community through school PACs, youth sports, and has managed her family’s construction company office since 1994. As the eldest daughter of Robert and Jane Nimi, she has long understood the challenges faced by Nikkei seniors in accessing quality care. Now supporting her mother’s care, Patty is proud to contribute to the Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society and work alongside directors she has known since its early days.
Marcia Carr
RN, BN, MS, GNC(C), NCA
マーシャは40年以上にわたって正看護師として活躍し、この20年間は老年医学と老年精神医学に専念しています。彼女はこの職業に就いているすべての瞬間を愛しており、NSHCHSの理事として、日系シニアズに最高のケアを提供することに全力を注いでいます。マーシャは、UBC、ビクトリア大学、SFU、マクマスター大学の非常勤講師でもあります。
Asae Tanaka
MD, CCFP
日本で生まれ、8歳の時にバンクーバーへ来ました。競泳のコーチをしていたこともあり、教えることが好きで、医学の分野に進みました。BC州の田舎でロカムや救急医として働いた後、バンクーバーに戻り、現在は家庭医として日本語を話す患者を診ています。また、日加ヘルスケア協会では、教育や予防に力を入れており、患者さん以外の方々のお手伝いもしています。