An intergenerational Japanese Canadian writing circle
Connect with Japanese Canadian communities across the country.
Our intergenerational writing workshops offer opportunities for Japanese Canadians of all ages and experiences to share stories that matter, confront the transcolonial histories that have shaped us, and widen our perspectives on what it means to be part of this community.
Learn and grow with monthly virtual workshops.
Every month, we come together to learn from an established Japanese Canadian artist and write about how their work connects to our own histories and positionalities as settlers on this land. Mata Ashita is a space for creativity and connection, for gentle encouragement, and sometimes, brave leaps into the unknown.
Help us kick off the new season of Mata Ashita workshops!
Upcoming
FAQ
We encourage any and all self-identifying Japanese Canadians from any and all creative backgrounds to join our workshops. Japanese Canadian identity is nebulous and many of us struggle to place ourselves within it. If, as you read this, you are wondering if you are Japanese Canadian enough to attend, you are in good company. We invite you to lean into the collective struggle of Japanese Canadian identity with us.
No writing experience is necessary to join – just a commitment to holding space for yourself and others as we navigate what it means to be together in community.
Each session is led by an experienced writing-for-wellness instructor (Leanne Toshiko Simpson) and facilitator (Sen Canute), and will include a community support specialist (Nicola Koyanagi) to help process any difficult feelings that arise.
Our regular Saturday afternoon workshops begin at 12 pm pacific/3 pm eastern and feature a 30-minute Q&A followed by an hour-long writing exploration and an optional 30-minute social time.
A couple days before a session, a Zoom link will be sent to the email you used to reserve tickets. If, for whatever reason, you don’t receive a link, are unable to join the session, or are otherwise facing barriers with your technology, please email mataashitawriting [at] gmail [dot] com and we’ll do our best to help you join!
Whoops! If you have any lingering questions, concerns, or just want to say hello, please reach out to mataashitawriting [at] gmail [dot] com.