For the first time, the faces of Japanese Canadian veterans who fought in World War I are being displayed in Vancouver. This recognition comes after a century of largely being overlooked. A community historian dedicated over 15 years to researching archives, locating descendants, and uncovering the stories of these forgotten soldiers. Debbie Jiang, the historian, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, "These were young men who gave their whole lives and no one remembers them. I feel like I’m bringing back to life that person and their names that would otherwise be unknown."

Jiang described it as a "travesty" that a dark chapter in Canadian history has overshadowed their service. Many of these veterans were not only denied the right to vote but were also labeled as "enemy aliens" during World War II. This designation led to the internment of approximately 22,000 Japanese Canadians, including veterans, who were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in camps.

Kelly Shibata, a descendant of one of these veterans, shared his experience of learning about his grandfather's military service. He said, "That is the mystery of all of it — we had virtually no information about his time in the military." His grandfather, retired Private Otoji Kamachi, was part of a unique group of Japanese Canadian soldiers who enlisted in Canada’s military during World War I. Despite their contributions, Kamachi and others faced discrimination and were sent to internment camps during World War II.

Many of the Japanese Canadian soldiers who enlisted were older than the typical recruits of the time. Jiang noted that many were in their 30s and 40s, with some already being decorated veterans. They traveled to Alberta, the only province where they could enlist, to fight for Canada, often motivated by the desire to secure voting rights for their community. Jiang stated, "They had wives and children, and yet they risked their lives to make a point and fight for Canada so they could bring home the right to vote for their community."

The Japanese Canadian troops eventually earned the respect of their comrades, despite initial skepticism due to language barriers. Jiang explained, "The Germans were afraid of them because they were fierce fighters. Many had fought in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. They sacrificed themselves, to no end."

Kamachi served in the 52nd Battalion, which participated in the Vimy Ridge offensive in 1917, a significant victory for Canadian forces. He also fought in other major battles, including Hill 70, Ypres, and Passchendaele. Nearly 200 Japanese Canadians served in World War I, with about a dozen receiving awards for bravery and more than 50 losing their lives. Kamachi survived but was injured and spent months recovering in a hospital.

Despite his service, Kamachi was among those interned during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, both Canada and the U.S. viewed individuals of Japanese descent as threats. Kamachi was sent to the Popoff internment camp in Slocan Valley, where he faced significant hardships. He recounted, "My means of livelihood, fishing boat, was taken by Custodians without my consent, sold it at mere price, not even sending the money for which they sold it."

After the war, Kamachi rebuilt his life as a farmer in British Columbia, raising eight children with his wife, Yukie Koreeda. He lived to see Japanese Canadians gain the right to vote in 1948 but passed away in 1957, before the government formally apologized for the injustices faced by Japanese Canadians.

Today, Kamachi's legacy is honored with a banner featuring his image displayed in downtown Vancouver alongside 20 other Japanese Canadian veterans. Jiang hopes this recognition will help the public remember their contributions. Shibata expressed gratitude for the tribute, stating, "It’s great to be able to honour him in that way and recognize what he did. It was quite silent in the family for years and years and it’s nice to bring that out." Jiang concluded, "I want them to be remembered. I want people to be able to look up and say their names."