JAPAN-CANADA CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE
Since her first trip to Japan in 1998, Ohama has been actively involved in promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Canada through various projects.
In 2003, she embarked on a major film tour of "Obaachan's Garden" in Japan, with 17 screening presentations organized by the hard work of many members of the Japan-Canada Society in Japan. This highly successful tour began with a screening at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, and continued through 15 cities from Hakodate, Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima, Kyushu in the south, garnering positive responses from both the public and the media.
For several years now, Linda has also created a series of free workshops for youth in many Japanese cities and smaller towns. She shares Canadian culture and stories in a series of hands-on projects through art, food, storytelling and crafts with Japanese young people through these popular and fun workshops.
Ever since her initial trip to Japan, Linda has been inspired by, and working closely with several Japanese artists, writers and film makers. The strong supportive film community in Onomichi (home of the Motion Picture Museum, director Nobuhiko Obayashi, and Yasujiro Ozu's classic "Tokyo Story") has been sharing ideas and talent with her for several years now. Together in 2007, they produced the short film, "A Sense of Onomichi".
In 2007-8, Ohama was successful in establishing a formal 'sister school' cultural exchange program between Obu High School in Nagoya and Windsor Secondary School in North Vancouver, involving over 2,000 high students and teachers. In April, 2008, the Japanese delegation made their initial visit to Windsor Secondary School to officially kick-off this international program, and in October, 2008, the Canadian delegation will journey to Obu High School, to participate in Obu High School's 60th anniversary celebrations.
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