photos from the Salt Spring Island Archives, unless otherwise noted
Du Eet Café
Cardston, Alberta
1950
In 1949, Katsuyori and Kimiko Murakami took over a restaurant business started by Kumanosuke Okano in Cardston, Alberta.
Katsuyori wanted to return to Salt Spring and hoped to regain his property, and with it, the dream that he'd had years before. He also wanted to be near the grave and memory of his son who had died at the age of only six months. Kimiko did not want to return. She didn’t want her family to continue fighting racism; especially her children who had suffered enough in the seven years that they were incarcerated.
The family saved their money and over Kimiko's objections, they returned to Salt Spring in 1954. They would have to begin all over again. Despite lingering prejudice and racism, the Murakami’s persevered and built up a well-regarded farm business.
Du Eet Café
Cardston, Alberta
1950
Katsuyori, Kimiko Murakami and their son Bruce in front of the restaurant in Alberta. The restaurant that they took over from Kimiko’s father was heavily in debt. It took them six years to pay off and save enough money to return to Salt Spring in 1954. The Murakami’s were the only Japanese Canadian family to come back to any of the Gulf Islands to settle down permanently.
Rainbow Road House
Salt Spring Island BC
1954
The original Murakami house on Rainbow Road where the Murakami’s started over after returning to Salt Spring Island. The Murakami family employed many island children over the years to help pick in the fields. Mrs. Murakami was a tiny but formidable employer. She, and other family members, would pick alongside the children, teaching them how to fill their flats.
“Don’t just pick the big, easy ones!”
Murakami Farm
Salt Spring Island BC
1958
Katsuyori Murakami hoeing a field of potatoes on the Rainbow Road property.
Katsuyori and Kimiki Murakami – 60th Wedding Anniversary
Salt Spring Island BC
1986
