Interview with Dr "Rick" Ryoichi Nishikawa

Dr "Rick" Ryoichi Nishikawa's interview was conducted on June 28, 2012 by Lisa Uyeda.

Rick Ryoichi Nishikawa was a nisei born on June 23, 1928, in Fairview, Vancouver, BC. His father immigrated to Canada as a child with Rick’s grandfather, who began a boarding house business on Powell Street. Rick’s father was involved with the Black Dragon Society. Despite the Black Dragon Society’s ties to criminal organizations, its members, including Rick’s father, also served as mediators between the Canadian authorities and the Japanese community, and provided assistance to families in need throughout the relocation process. Although both his parents were devout Buddhists, Rick and his siblings grew up attending the local United Church. His commitment to the United Church was cemented during his internment years, as the Church was the driving force in providing high school education and assistance toward university education for internees. For Rick, life in camps was enjoyable and provided children with ample opportunities to immerse oneself in outdoor activities and make friends. The experience, however, was not as pleasant for adults, who felt embittered by the loss of livelihood and struggled to find employment with limited resources. After finishing high school in Tashme, with the help of the United Church, Rick relocated to Ottawa, and eventually Toronto to attend U of T Medical School. He later became a general practitioner with his own practice in Toronto. Rick was involved in the building and managing of the first Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. He was supportive of the new leadership and changes to the Centre, and was positive about the Centre’s future.