Laura Kumi Saimoto

May 15, 1970 – January 20, 2026

Laura was born on May 15, 1970, in North Vancouver. She attended Point Grey Secondary School and later graduated from UBC in 1993 with a double major in History and Japanese. In 1994, she completed her teacher’s degree in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 1995, on the Monbusho scholarship from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Laura moved to Tokyo to attend Sophia University, where she completed her Master’s degree in Sociology in 1998. She went on to work in Tokyo as a market researcher for AC Nielsen and later as a brand manager for Ciba Vision.

Laura returned to Vancouver in 2005 and joined the family business, Great West Paper Box. At the same time, she was recruited to join the board of the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH), an organization that became a significant part of her life and heart.

While working in the box business, Laura dedicated countless hours to VJLS-JH. She began planning the heritage building renovation project and was instrumental in the opening of Children’s World Childcare Centre in 2012.

After selling the family business and “retiring” in 2017, Laura became a natural and passionate leader in serving and strengthening the Japanese Canadian community. She spearheaded many important projects. She chaired the Japanese Canadian Legacy Signage Project from 2016 to 2018, working with the Ministry of Transportation to commemorate Internment and Road Camps across British Columbia. She also deeply loved working with seniors and local residents to create the East Lillooet Internment Camp Memorial Garden.

Laura served as President of the Tashme Historical Society from 2023 and joined the board of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation in 2024. Her most recent projects included the VJLS-JH Interpretive Centre, as well as the restorations of Miyazaki House and Hope Station.

Laura was a champion of community and loved bringing people together. She was gifted in making connections, forging pathways and building community wherever she went. She was profoundly grateful to have awakened to her soul purpose of service. She heard her calling: through sharing our history and inner light, we heal and shine our light brighter making the world a brighter and more loving place. She answered the call.

Laura’s final call was a peaceful crossing on January 20, 2026. She was most grateful for all the love and prayers she received. She will be remembered for her vivacious energy, high standards and deep commitment. Thank you Laura, loving daughter, sister, aunty, niece and friend, for shining your light upon us.

A Celebration of Life for our dear Laura will be held on Monday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the Vancouver Buddhist Temple, 220 Jackson Ave. Vancouver. By her request, please wear bright colours and flowers or fascinators.

If you would like to make a donation in her memory, contributions can be made to her fund, Ladybird Legacy Foundation, through the Vancouver Foundation, please see link below.