3rd Annual Roger Obata Tribute Game & Marketplace

From the court to the marketplace, the Obata Tribute Game brings generations together. Free for kids 17 and under.

Event Highlights

• Open gym on an NBA-sized court, plus a half-court for children, elders, and younger participants
• Skills-building drills, casual contests, and shooting challenges for all levels.
• Pref to stay courtside? Take part in a pop-up mural activity and contribute to a joint artwork.
• Performances by Yosakoi dance group Kizuna Canada and Indigenous artists
• 5-on-5 basketball game between the Godzillas (Japanese Canadian) and the Mgizi Eagles (Indigenous)
• Filming for a mid-length documentary on Roger Obata and his peers.
• Buy a copy of Setsuko Thurlow’s new children’s book, Never Silent (no taxes or shipping)

PRE-REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE & WIN!

All pre-registrants are entered into an exclusive Nike prize draw (must be present to claim prizes).If you’d like a participant T-shirt, the earlier you register, the better your chance of getting your preferred size

Entry Only

• Youth (17 & under): Free
• Adults (18+): $5 pre-register | $8 event day

T-Shirts & Jerseys (includes entry when pre-registered)

• Youth 2025 T-shirt: $15 pre-register | $22 event day (save $7)
• Adult 2025 T-shirt: $25 pre-register | $35 event day (Save $18)
• Adult Player Jersey: $45 pre-register | $55 event day (Save $18)

Note: While we hope to have T-shirts available for sale on event day, there is a slight possibility they may sell out beforehand. A limited number of 2024/2025 T-shirts and jerseys will also be on sale. If you pre-register for a T-shirt or jersey and cannot attend, you will be responsible for arranging pick-up.

Come early and stay late.

Once again, we bring together a marketplace, open gym, all-ages skill-building activities, and a kid-friendly zone—all leading up to the finale: a 5-on-5 matchup between the JC Godzillas and Team Mgizi. We are pleased to field a mixed team that features some highly skilled female players. Whether you come to play, cheer, shop, or connect, the day is a lively intersection of movement, sport, art, shopping, and community.

Community Marketplace

A Launchpad: Low-cost, supportive space for young vendors, first-time sellers, and new entrepreneurs. Inclusive Invitation: Encouraging participation from Japanese Canadian, Japanese and Indigenous makers.

$25 to $40 for a table, complimentary for Indigenous vendors. Thanks to the support of Michelle Chibba of the Shochikubai Kai community group, we have improved our vendor outreach and have a limited number of spaces left. We’re maintaining a favourable participant-to-vendor ratio to maximize vendor success along with low-risk pricing. For more details email: [email protected]

Filming Alert and Sponsorship Opportunities

Footage from this year’s event will be featured in an upcoming mid-length documentary on Roger Obata, his peers like Hide Hyodo Shimizu, George Tanaka, Kunio Hidaka, Harold Hirose, and Thomas Shoyama, and the early history of issei and nisei activists and the NJCCA–NAJC. Cash sponsorships of $500 or more, or in-kind donations of travel points valued at $500 or more, will be recognized in the film credits.

The Tribute Game honours the late Roger Obata, founding president of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC), who first showed leadership in Prince Rupert, BC when his junior JC basketball team challenged a senior Indigenous team in the area in the early 1930s. He went on to serve Japanese Canadians in multiple roles, as president of the UBC Japanese Students Club and as founding president of the NAJC.

Join the Story, Cheer on Our Team

Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 2, and be part of this unique celebration of basketball, culture, and community. Whether you play, cheer on the JC team, shop, or connect, your presence adds to the story. This is an opportunity to enjoy a family-friendly day, support local artists and vendors, and strengthen ties across generations. Gather your friends and family—and join us for year three of the Roger Obata Tribute Basketball Game & Community Marketplace. See you courtside—or on the court!

Stay tuned to our website and Instagram for updates as details evolve.

Contact: [email protected]
Website: http://torontonajc.ca/
Follow us on Instagram: @torontonajc
Phone: 416-317-9726

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

BallMatics Academy, 950 Dupont Street, Toronto, Canada