Henry Wakabayashi and Ken Shinozaki are 2024’s Outstanding Citizens of the Year in Burnaby

Mayor Mike Hurley and Burnaby City Council are pleased to present the Kushiro Cup to Henry Wakabayashi and Ken Shinozaki, 2024's Outstanding Citizens of the Year. This award honours Burnaby residents who make tremendous contributions in creating a connected, inclusive and healthy community. The Kushiro Cup has been awarded since 1982, when the cup was first presented to the City of Burnaby by its sister city, Kushiro in Japan.

Henry Wakabayashi: Henry’s vision and leadership sparked the creation of the sister city partnership between Kushiro and Burnaby. In the 1960s, while working in Kushiro, Henry was approached by city officials who wanted to create a sister city relationship with a Canadian city. Recognizing the potential for cultural and economic exchange, Henry connected the Mayor of Kushiro with the City of Burnaby. This resulted in a partnership that has flourished for six decades. Locally, Henry provides guidance on projects at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre and Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society. He was also pivotal in creating the Japanese garden with cherry blossom trees at Nikkei Place, in celebration of sister city partnership’s 60th anniversary.

Ken Shinozaki: A resident of Burnaby for nearly 40 years, Ken is committed to charitable efforts. His generous donations to the Nikkei Home assisted living facility and Burnaby Hospital, along with his active community volunteer work, has made a significant impact. Ken also was key in creating the 60th anniversary Japanese garden at Nikkei Place. His nominators praised Ken’s dedication to Nikkei Place and his invaluable contributions as an advisor on the project committee. Ken's leadership has been instrumental in navigating site restrictions, ensuring the garden meets cultural and aesthetic expectations, making it a meaningful gift to Kushiro. 

The City of Burnaby is proud to recognize these outstanding individuals, whose efforts embody the values that strengthen the community.

Learn more: Burnaby.ca/VolunteerAwards