Nikkei Manga-gatari (book one) The Sword, the Medal and the Rosary

Written by Terry Watada
Illustrated by Kenji Iwata

The Sword, the Medal and the Rosary is based on the life and times of Yasuo Takashima, a first generation Japanese Canadian (Issei) who fought in WWI and suffered the internment during WWII despite his service and heroism. The story illuminates the man’s exploits through the major events of Japanese Canadian history. Through the Vancouver Race Riots in 1907, Takashima carried a sword to fight off the rioters. He was decorated with the Military Medal for bravery in WWI. Through a poignant love affair with a Parisian woman, he obtained a rosary as a memento of their love. He carried these three artifacts throughout his life. On his deathbed, he suffered one last indignity, which is emblematic of the Japanese Canadian experience.