KIMIKO’S PEARL
A story of war, sacrifice and renewal based on the Japanese Canadian internment of WWII, Kimiko’s Pearl is a new ballet that unfurls the bittersweet story of one family spanning four generations. It is told through the eyes of Kimiko, a 15-year-old Toronto girl who discovers an old family trunk containing her great-grandfather’s diary and other precious keepsakes. As Kimiko reads the diary, her family’s tale comes to life before her eyes.
Inspired by the family history of Bravo Niagara!’s co-founders Christine Mori and Alexis Spieldenner, Kimiko’s Pearl is based on a story by Emmy Award winner Howard Reich. The production features original music by Kevin Lau, choreography by Yosuke Mino, dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Vancouver Coastal City Ballet, and three generations of Japanese Canadian visual artists and musicians.
The world premiere of the ballet was presented by the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in June 2024. In April 2025, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra premiered the Symphonic Suite from Kimiko’s Pearl at Roy Thomson Hall.
The music of Kimiko’s Pearl is now available on all streaming platforms!
Explore more at www.kimikospearl.com
Commissioned and produced by Bravo Niagara
“I have long admired the ability of art to evoke dialogue and understanding about society’s most important issues. Kimiko’s Pearl is certainly an example of how a powerful story, music, and dance can be woven together beautifully to help us reflect on the past and envision a better future. I am proud that The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation has helped to support this production and the talented artists who have brought this remarkable, multi-generational story to life.”
The Hon. Hilary M. Weston, CM, CVO, OOnt
Honorary Patron
Kimiko’s Pearl
Yue Shi and Chenxin Liu as Shizuo and Natsue Ayukawa.
Photo by Réjean Brandt.
World Premiere June 22-23, 2024
Commissioned and produced by Bravo Niagara!
Presented by the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, St. Catharines, Ontario
Music from Kimiko’s Pearl Scene 8 Epilogue: Communing with the Ancestors (excerpt)