Asayo is thought to be Canada’s last picture bride–an early version of the mail order bride.
What I loved about Asayo’s story was that she took one look at the short unattractive man who met her ship in 1923 and said no way. “As soon as I saw his face, I knew he was not my type,” she told her granddaughter Linda Ohama. “I didn’t even want to look at him.” Then she spent the next three years working in strawberry fields and canneries to pay back the $250 she owed him for her passage.
She met and married Otokichi Murakami, a fisherman, boat builder and widower with two children. They added another eight children to the family and settled at what is. now the Britannia Heritage Shipyard in Steveston.
The Britannia Heritage Shipyard is a fascinating place, full of brightly coloured houses connected by board walks and filled with histories of their inhabitants—a melting pot of nationalities. You can tour four of the stilt houses, the Chinese bunkhouse, and check out some gnarley boat restoration work.
The original Murakami House was built in 1885 on piles over the marsh. The family lived there from 1929 until they were thrown into an internment camp with 22,000 other Japanese in World War 11.
When Asayo died in 2002 aged 104 she left nine children, 21 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and the story of her house.
Watch Linda Ohama’s beautiful documentary and tribute to her grandmother: Obachan’s Garden
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16 comments on “Asayo Murakami: Canada’s last picture bride”
57 great-grandchildren!!! Great post Eve.
Hi Eve;
Ian Alexander here. I’ve written you a few times concerning Vie Moore. THIS time you got me interested with this Murakami blog. I believe that one of their descendants lives out in Hope. His name is Dr. Ernie K. Murakami and, out of curiosity, you may like to contact him to find out. His phone numbers are 604-869-1739 and 604-869-9922.
Just an FYI
Hi Ian, nice to hear from you. She has 57 great-grandchildren, so I bet there are a lot of relatives all over the lower mainland! Her granddaughter made a really lovely documentary, and I’ve put a link to that on the blog post.
Hi Eve: Somehow I ended up on this site as I was looking for information on the Murakami House. I was delighted to see your name and read your description of the house and surrounding buildings. I’ve been walking/cycling there for more years than I care to remember as I love the area. I particularly love the heritage garden which adjoins the house. A neighbour of mine looks after the garden and she’s a member of the Wooden Boat Society. Glad you finally managed to visit the house and that you enjoyed it so much. Hope you had a great summer and didn’t have to work too hard.
Kindest regards
How lovely to hear from you Christine! Thanks for stopping by and I hope life is treating you well. Eve
We visited the boatyard on August 22, 2015 and were touched by the story of Asayo Murakami. We had stumbled upon this by chance but it was amazing! A Japanese bride who knew her own mind, worked off her debt, chose her own husband and lived till 104! Our regards to the family!
It’s such a great area loaded with history. You’ve reminded me that I have to go back and visit Finn Slough again! Thanks for dropping by and I’m glad you enjoyed your visit.
HI Eve. thanks for this. I landed here while researching for a public art project in the area. Knowing little of Steveston’s history and the essential Japanese presence, I saw Linda Ohama’s film in the early 2000’s….”Obachan” was there!- helped onto the Filmfest stage on her wheelchair to answer questions. Then years later I connected some dots and realized that the Murakami house and garden are alive and well. Now I live nearby and am endlessly fascinated by Steveston’s dense and complicated history. The very tactile remnants of this particular story and its overarching context always brings me to an emotional place. It is the surviving human gemstone in the sands and silts of Steveston history.
Thanks so much for dropping by Glen and leaving a comment. Love Steveston. Fascinating history–and Finn Slough!
Linda Ohama’s 2003 documentary “Obachan’s Garden” is a beautiful and touching tribute to her grandmother’s story. I think it’s available on the NFB website. Highly recommended!
Thanks for this Sandi – I’ll put the link to Linda’s documentary in the blog post
Thank you Eve for your beautiful blog post about the Murakami House- I’m one of Asayo’s 57 great-grandchildren and I’m doing my MFA at Emily Carr University creating work and researching around ideas of my own identity as a Japanese-Canadian feminist artist. I come from a lineage of strong-willed women and I’m happy to see that my great-grandmother’s strong spirit was inspiring for you too!
And, I am so glad that her legacy will continue with her amazing descendants! Thanks for stopping by Jennie, I’m looking forward to seeing your work.
Hello I was wondering at the Murakami house is there someone there all the time in june. I am coming for a visit and wanted to see the house.. This is my step son Great grand parents house and would like to take some pictures to share with him.. He said one day he will come and visit.. We are living in Ontario Thanks
Here is the website with all the information https://www.richmond.ca/culture/sites/britannia/about.htm Enjoy your visit!
[…] it’s a great bike ride from Steveston village along the South Dyke trail. You bike through the Britannia Shipyards, past the 1890s London Heritage Farm and if you keep going past Finn Slough you wind up along the […]