The ninth annual Sakura Gala, co-hosted by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) and Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, raised $1 million in support of the JCCC and lung research at Toronto General Hospital.
On Wednesday, April 18, more than 400 guests attended the gala at the Royal Ontario Museum to honour Dr. Yasufuku for his brilliant innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, and exceptional contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture and Nikkei heritage within Canada and abroad.
“We’re thrilled to be here celebrating the best of Japanese and Japanese-Canadian culture and honouring Dr. Yasufuku,” says event co-chair Bill Hatanaka. “His appreciation of the valuable work done by the JCCC and his visionary research at UHN are truly worth celebrating.”
“We are so grateful to all our guests, sponsors and volunteers of this year’s Sakura Gala, and immensely proud to be celebrating Dr. Yasufuku,” says event co-chair Dr. Michael Baker. “His brilliant work in minimally invasive treatments for lung cancer will continue to save lives, and foster knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration between Canada and Japan.”
At the unforgettable event, special guests Premier Kathleen Wynne and Japanese Ambassador to Canada Kimihiro Ishikane were entertained by emcee Mary Ito, Canadian musician Lawrence Gowan, koto artist Linda Kakō Caplan and Japanese drumming ensemble Nagata Shachu.
Watch the tribute video honouring Dr. Yasufuku.
