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Richmondite awarded Medal of Good Citizenship

By Matthew Cheung

Published 11:16 PDT, Tue August 20, 2024

Last Updated: 11:17 PDT, Tue August 20, 2024

Richmond’s own Jim Kojima, a long-time resident and important member of the Steveston community was recently awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship by the Province of British Columbia. Kojima was one of 18 people set to receive the award in the following month for their extraordinary contributions to their communities. 

“These 18 people have made a profound impact on their communities and a positive difference in the lives of so many,” said Premier David Eby. “By sharing their time, energy and talents, they are making B.C. a better place. Their selfless generosity is a model for us all and I thank them for it.”

The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward. It was established by the Government of B.C. in 2015.

“The incredible kindness and service of people like this year’s medal recipients make B.C. communities such thriving and welcoming places,” said Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee. “I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of these extraordinary individuals. They exemplify the true spirit of community service, touching the hearts of all they meet.”

Jim Kojima was born in Steveston, in 1938, before he and all Canadians of Japanese heritage were forcibly evacuated to Alberta in 1942 in the aftermath of the bombing of Pearl Harbour. Nine years after being forced to evacuate, Jim returned to Steveston. In 1953, the Steveston Judo Club was founded, Kojima was one of 80 inaugural club members.

The Steveston Judo Club that operated in various rooms including the back room of a theatre, the Red Cross hall, a Buddhist temple near No. 1 Road, and a Richmond community center. Kojima, through many events like car washes, vegetable sales, and concerts, would raise nearly $100,000 for the building of the Steveston Martial Arts Center, which opened in 1972. 

As a member of the club, Kojima was also actively competing in Judo in the 1950s and 1960s, he earned his first black belt in 1957 and was promoted to the eighth-degree black belt in 2018. His impact on the sport in Canada is also worth noting as he served in key roles in Judo Canada for 66 years, whilst also acting as Judo Canada’s vice-president from 1968 to 1988 and president from 1988 to 1994.

Throughout his career, Kojima has received countless awards, he received the Order of Canada in 1983, the International Judo Federation (IJF) Gold Medal and named a Honourary Life Member, Judo Canada’s Life Member in 2004 and Hall of Fame in 2006, Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun in 2011, the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and now the Province of British Columbia’s Medal of Good Citizenship. 

Jim Kojima currently serves as president of the Minoru Seniors Society, committed to enhancing senior living in Richmond, where he advocates for diverse and inclusive programming. He also helps organize Steveston community events like the annual Steveston Salmon Festival and Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market. 

Medal presentation ceremonies will be held in the province in August 2024 and early September 2024.

Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round. Any current or former long-term resident of B.C. is eligible to be nominated. Youth and posthumous nominations are welcome.

The 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship was offered in these categories: 

• Championing affordable housing

• Transforming lives through agriculture

• Pioneering fire rescue

• Inclusion and empowerment advocacy

• Driving success of children’s charities

• Promoting community empowerment and mental-health equity

• A lifelong commitment to resilience and community service

• Conservation and community stewardship advocacy

• Mental-health advocacy and dedication to veterans

• A lifetime of dedication to martial arts and community service

• Inspiring youth to volunteer

• Addressing food insecurity

• Working toward the elimination of poverty and social exclusion in the Lower Mainland

 •Promoting volunteerism and community spirit

• Migrant farm-worker support and advocacy in the Fraser Valley

• Championing arts and community engagement in the Kootenays

To read the biographies of the 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship recipients, visit: gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia
/honours-and-awards/medal-good-citizenship/latest-recipients

For more information about the Medal of Good Citizenship, including how to nominate someone, visit: 

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/honours-and-awards/medal-good-citizenship

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