A Life in Judo (John Hatashita)
John Hatashita had a remarkable career in business and judo but the most incredible part of his life was meeting and marrying his wife in Japan.
He began judo at the local Japanese recreation centre in Vancouver. He would soon be interned in 1942 by the Canadian government and sent to an isolated camp in the interior of BC. He resumed judo in these camps.
In his 20's he would go to Japan to study judo from the masters at the Kodokan in Tokyo. In a miraculous coincidence unbeknownst to him, his grade 2 sweetheart Joan Moriyama would also be in Tokyo at the same time. In a further coincidence, in this city of tens of millions, they would meet randomly and marry soon after.
He would return to Canada to teach judo to thousands, coach 3 Olympians and together with his brother Frank they would spawn many judo dojos across the country. The skills and knowledge he acquired in Japan from the masters continue to be taught throughout the country today.
His wife Joan past away in 2021. He continues to think about her and teach judo.