Legion branch founded by Japanese Canadian veterans is reinstated after 84 years

VICTORIA — A descendant of a decorated soldier who fought at Vimy Ridge says the revival of a British Columbia Legion branch founded by Japanese Canadian veterans like his grandfather helps correct an injustice.

Legion Branch No. 9 was shut down in 1942 during the Second World War, but it’s set to be publicly restored at a ceremony in February, and branch president David Mitsui says that makes this year’s Remembrance Day special to him.

Mitsui, whose grandfather, Masumi Mitsui, was also president of Branch No. 9 before its closure, says its restoration will allow descendants of Japanese Canadian veterans to fully honour the sacrifices of their ancestors in an official capacity, standing side by side with members of other Legion branches.

He says his grandfather was among about 200 soldiers of Japanese descent who fought for Canada during the First World War.

Branch No. 9, which was founded in 1926, surrendered its charter under duress after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, while the Canadian government declared Japanese-Canadians “enemy aliens” and placed them in internment camps, including Mitsui’s grandfather and parents.

David Mitsui says the Legion promised to restore the charter of the original branch after the war, but historian Debbie Jiang found newspaper clippings last year showing the promised reinstatement was denied in 1948.

It wasn’t until word of Jiang’s find got back to the Legion that the wheels were set in motion for the branch’s restoration, which was granted in July.

Jiang says the restoration of the branch’s charter shows that it’s never too late to right a wrong.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 10, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press