Film Screening and Director’s talk “Magical Imperfection: The Life and Architecture of Raymond Moriyama”
2025/1/23
On January 23rd, the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) hosted a film screening and director’s talk of “Magical Imperfection: The Life and Architecture of Raymond Moriyama” at the Embassy’s Information and Culture Centre. Distinguished guests including the President and CEO of the Canadian War Museum and staff members from Moriyama Teshima Architects, attended the event.
One of Canada’s most renowned architects of the twentieth century and a co-founder of Moriyama Teshima Architects in Toronto, Mr. Raymond Moriyama was behind the design of numerous iconic landmarks both in Canada and abroad, including the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Ontario Science Centre, Ottawa City Hall and the Bata Shoe Museum, to name only a few. The film “Magical Imperfection: The Life and Architecture of Raymond Moriyama” tells the story of Mr. Moriyama, a Japanese Canadian, and his architectural philosophy of equality, inclusion, and democracy that he developed after going through painful and harsh experiences, including being interned during World War II.
Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi delivered opening remarks and said that Mr. Moriyama was not only an architect, but also made significant contributions to promoting friendly relations between Japan and Canada. He further noted that Mr. Moriyama’s great achievements were highly recognized in Japan and Canada that he was a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan’s highest decorations.
After the screening, a talk was held with the film's director and producer Mr. Scott Calbeck and moderator Ms. Sachiko Okuda, former President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA). In addition to the director's experiences and the background of the film's production, he shared stories that gave a glimpse into Moriyama's personality, who was humorous, humble, and kind.
The event was attended by over 140 people and the auditorium was full. Audience members participated in a question-and-answer session and asked Mr. Calbeck about his experiences and the making of the film. Many audience members commented that they were touched by Mr. Moriyama who dedicated all of his life to Canada and the importance of continuing to talk about him in the future.
One of Canada’s most renowned architects of the twentieth century and a co-founder of Moriyama Teshima Architects in Toronto, Mr. Raymond Moriyama was behind the design of numerous iconic landmarks both in Canada and abroad, including the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Ontario Science Centre, Ottawa City Hall and the Bata Shoe Museum, to name only a few. The film “Magical Imperfection: The Life and Architecture of Raymond Moriyama” tells the story of Mr. Moriyama, a Japanese Canadian, and his architectural philosophy of equality, inclusion, and democracy that he developed after going through painful and harsh experiences, including being interned during World War II.
Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi delivered opening remarks and said that Mr. Moriyama was not only an architect, but also made significant contributions to promoting friendly relations between Japan and Canada. He further noted that Mr. Moriyama’s great achievements were highly recognized in Japan and Canada that he was a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan’s highest decorations.
After the screening, a talk was held with the film's director and producer Mr. Scott Calbeck and moderator Ms. Sachiko Okuda, former President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA). In addition to the director's experiences and the background of the film's production, he shared stories that gave a glimpse into Moriyama's personality, who was humorous, humble, and kind.
The event was attended by over 140 people and the auditorium was full. Audience members participated in a question-and-answer session and asked Mr. Calbeck about his experiences and the making of the film. Many audience members commented that they were touched by Mr. Moriyama who dedicated all of his life to Canada and the importance of continuing to talk about him in the future.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering opening remarks |
Audience |
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| Mr. Calbeck, director of the film, answering questions from the audience |
Director Calbeck and Ms. Okuda with representatives from the Canadian War Museum, Moriyama Teshima Architects, and Mr. Kris Hatashita, a nephew of Mr. Moriyama |