UBC Asian Library and the Department of Asian Studies invite the community to a public event featuring the documentary film, Watashitachi wa Ningen da! ワタシタチハニンゲンダ! (We are Human!), produced in 2022 by director Ko Chanyu, a second-generation Zainichi (‘residing in Japan’) Korean journalist and filmmaker. This award-winning film interrogates Japan's immigration policies, surfacing issues of racism and discrimination. It can also cast reflections on British Columbia’s own disturbing relationship with its migrant foreign workers, a crucial labour force for BC agriculture.

This free public event, offered concurrently as part of UBC’s Arts Studies course, ASTU 201: Canada, Japan and the Pacific: Cultural Studies, includes guest lecturers providing insights into the history of contemporary issues of (im)migration, labour, and racism in Canada and Japan. The event will also feature a panel discussion.

We will be discussing, not viewing, the film at this event. Participants are encouraged to view the film beforehand. UBC students and employees can access the film through the Library. For participants with other affiliations, please ensure to leave your email at the time of registration to receive a private link to watch the film.

Panelists

• Dr. Evelyn Encalada Grez, Assistant Professor of Labour Studies Program, Sociology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University
• Dr. Christina Yi, Associate Professor of Modern Japanese Literature, Department of Asian Studies, University of British Columbia

Moderator: Dr. Ayaka Yoshimizu, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Department of Asian Studies & UBC-Ritsumeikan Academic Exchange Programs, University of British Columbia

Location: Hybrid (in-person at Asian Centre Auditorium or Online)

Everyone is invited to attend this free hybrid event. Registration is required.

For more information, please contact Saeyong Kim, Korean Studies Librarian at saeyong.kim@ubc.ca or Tomoko Kitayama Yen, Japanese Studies Librarian at tomoko.kitayama@ubc.ca.