It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of Mari Honma (Honma-sensei), our beloved Principal, and invaluable leader for the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH), who left us on Friday, February 28. In her final moments, she was surrounded by her loving family, which brings some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

Mari Honma was born in Hiroshima on May 25, 1953, and moved to Canada in 1977, where she began her teaching career at VJLS-JH. Since then, she made significant contributions to VJLS as a dedicated educator and as Principal on three separate occasions. She also played a key role in the establishment of our Children’s World Childcare Centre. During her more than 40 years at VJLS-JH, she saw her two children graduate from VJLS and, this year, her granddaughter began attending Children’s World.

The pandemic diluted many cherished traditions at VJLS-JH, and Honma-sensei’s return as Principal for a third term was driven by our sincere hope to restore and protect the traditions that bridge our community.

Honma-sensei was deeply involved in many important fundraisers for VJLS-JH, working tirelessly behind the scenes and volunteering her time beyond her official duties. She contributed to signature VJLS events such as coordinating the special kimono photo shoot production, which involved selecting kimono, ensuring meticulous fittings for guests on the day, and staying until the very end alongside other volunteers. She greeted visitors with a warm smile at our Fall Bazaar, and at our Powell Street Festival booth, she introduced visitors to the Japanese school and Children’s World.

Under Honma-sensei’s leadership, VJLS-JH embraced Japan’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating the Japanese Canadian culture and history. With the support of many friends and acquaintances in the community, she helped foster the Cultural Experience Program at VJLS-JH. Honma-sensei cherished her relationships with the teachers, staff, and volunteers and would often make a delicious roast beef dish for the staff/volunteer appreciation party, a treat enjoyed by all.

With such a warm heart, Honma-sensei was truly loved by teachers, staff, and students. She embodied and advocated for the values of harmony, inclusivity, and kindness—values that many experienced through her warm greetings on Saturday mornings. Her dedication to sharing Japan’s cultural heritage and language reached far beyond VJLS-JH and out to the wider Nikkei community.

Honma-sensei was also involved in the Hiroshima Kenjin-kai (Hiroshima Prefectural Association) where she valued and supported her local culture and traditions. Additionally, she was a member of the Urasenke Vancouver Branch, where she shared the formal etiquette and rich spiritual tradition of Chado, the Way of Tea, with VJLS teachers, staff and students – an experience they will always treasure. As an active member of the Japanese Language Teachers Association (JALTA), she was passionate about advancing the development of best practices in Japanese language education and contributed greatly to this cause.

Memories of Honma-sensei will forever live in our hearts. Her devoted legacy and vibrant personality are deeply ingrained in the history of the VJLS-JH community. We will continue to uphold the rich traditions of Japanese language and cultural education for future generations, while keeping Honma-sensei’s memory near and dear to our hearts.

The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers at VJLS-JH extend our heartfelt condolences to Honma-sensei’s family and to all those whose lives she touched in so many ways. We are forever grateful for the legacy of her many contributions to the school and community. She will be dearly missed.