Sponsor Spotlight:
Presenting Sponsor of the 18th Annual Nikkei Place Charity Classic
We are proud to celebrate Kami Insurance as a Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Nikkei Place Charity Classic, and to recognize their decades-long commitment to the Japanese Canadian community.
Founded in 1959 by Alfred (Alfie) Kamitakahara, a Nisei born in Eburne, BC, Kami Insurance has been serving families with care, integrity, and community spirit for over 60 years. Alfie’s story, like that of many Japanese Canadians of his generation, is rooted in resilience. During the Second World War, Alfie and his family were forcibly relocated to Slocan, one of the internment camps in the BC Interior. After the war, he returned to Vancouver and channeled his strength and entrepreneurial spirit into building something that would serve and protect his community.
Alfie founded Kami Insurance with a mission to offer trusted insurance services to Japanese-speaking residents in an era when language barriers were often an obstacle to financial security. His vision quickly turned into a vital resource for the community, providing peace of mind and personal service during a time of rebuilding and renewal.
Today, that mission lives on through Alfie’s son, John Kamitakahara, who leads Kami Insurance with the same dedication and pride. Under John’s leadership, Kami continues to be a reliable presence not only in business.
Their support for community organizations, cultural heritage, and intergenerational well-being makes them more than an insurance company but a pillar of trust.
Kami Insurance’s long-standing commitment to the Japanese Canadian community makes their support of the Nikkei Place Charity Classic especially meaningful. Their sponsorship helps fund essential programs for seniors, including wellness activities, cultural engagement, nutritious meals, and brain health workshops.
We are deeply grateful to have Kami Insurance stand with us in our mission to ensure seniors can live with dignity, joy, and connection. Their legacy reminds us that strong communities are built not just on history, but on everyday acts of care.
Thank you, Kami Insurance, for your unwavering support and for protecting what matters most.