The Suitcase Project tour and Photography Journal Workshop

Join Kikiai Collaborative for a special visit to the Museum of Vancouver to experience The Suitcase Project by artist Kayla Isomura—a moving exploration of Japanese-Canadian and Japanese-American identity, memory, and displacement. Through photography and personal stories, the exhibition asks: What would you pack if you were forcibly removed from your home today?

This event has two components, and participants are welcome to join either or both:

1) Guided Tour (open to all)

All are welcome to take part in the guided tour, which will offer space for reflection, discussion, and connection around themes of identity and intergenerational experience.

2) Month-Long Photography Project (optional)

For those who want to continue this exploration creatively, an optional month-long photography project inspired by the exhibit will follow. Each participant will receive a disposable film camera to document personal reflections on identity, belonging, and community over the course of a month.

At the end of the project, participants will hand in their cameras along with a short written piece (max 500 words) describing their photos. This write-up can take the form of an anecdote, a story, or simply an explanation of how they curated and approached their images.

At the end of the project, Kikiai Collaborative will collect and develop the photographs to create a digital “living gallery” on our website—an evolving archive that honours the diversity of Japanese-Canadian identity today. In exchange, participants in this project will receive a physical and digital copy of your film roll.

Whether joining just for the tour, or the workshop as well, participants will be invited to reflect on the stories our community carries and the ways art can connect us across generations.

Audience

“Young-ish” people of Japanese descent (suggested for folks up to 40 years old) of all generations (i.e. shin Nikkei and multi-generational Nikkei folks), experiences and backgrounds.

Accessibility Info, Parking & Transportation

 You can also reach the museum by bus or ferry. The #2 bus stops on Cornwall near Cypress, and the False Creek Ferries have a stop at the Maritime Museum. 

MoV is wheelchair accessible – exhibitions are all accessed on the main level. Accessible washrooms are accessed via elevator on the lower level.

Additional Details

• Cost: Free!
• Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
• Time: 12:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (end time may vary dependent on participant experience)
• Location: Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vanier Park)
• Facilitators: Kikiai Collaborative team