The ROM is Canada’s largest and most prolific museum, with the inside boasting a collection size of over six million artefacts seen by nearly a million and a half visitors annually. It beautifully catalogs every chapter of history in both the local and national spheres, as well as those of the wider world. 

It therefore becomes troubling when fundamental pillars of the museum, ones which reflect even more crucial historical events, start to be dismantled. Canada has had a long (and sometimes complicated) history with Japan and her citizens. From the earliest settlers landing here at the end of the 1800’s, to the brave Japanese and Japanese-Canadian volunteers who served in the 1st World War, to the sad injustices faced by those communities during the 2nd World War, there has been a rich tapestry of stories and sides to examine. 

It’s in light of this history that it’s especially important for Canada to keep alive the knowledge of such events. Sadly the Royal Ontario Museum must not feel the same way, as sadly they have permanently closed the Japanese Exhibit. Long a staple of any ROM visit, this harmonious wing of the museum featured everything from pottery fragments of the ancient Jōmon period, bronze artefacts from the Yayaoi period, weapons across the ages and of course the iconic samurai armours of the Edo period. These treasures deserve to be showcased and seen by the masses, also realistically there is no reason why in a building so huge they can’t find the space for the exhibits. Japanese history may not be Canada’s, but not only do we intersect, we have a duty to preserve all history.

For some people this exhibit is the first exposure to Japanese history they’ve had, and for a few that can spark a lifelong interest in history, archeology and cultures around the world. So please, help get the Japanese History exhibit reinstated at the ROM!