Japanese TV channel, NHK, showed a clip about the trip
Keegan did to visit his ancestor in Southern part of Japan a day after the Worlds was over.
In 1877, Manzo Nagano (Keegan's great-great grandfather on maternal side) moved to Canada from Nagasaki, Japan, as one of the first immigrants. He was an aspiring 22 years old. Manzo became a successful businessman by exporting salted salmons. He built a foundation in Canada for Japanese immigrants that followed him.
Keegan visited a museum in Minami-Shimabara, Nagasaki, which has a section dedicated to hometown hero and is filled with the resources about Manzo.
Keegan:
"He wanted to accomplish things. Something that I can personally understand. I always wanted to push the boundaries of myself on what I can do"
Keegan visited the temple where Manzo's grave is located. There his distant relatives - descendants of Manzo's older brother, were waiting for him. Natsumi, 15 years old who happens to be a figure skating fan, was very much looking forward to seeing him, saying "It is unbelievable to see him in person. We'd like to talk about Manzo-san, too."
Natsumi took Keegan and his mother to the grave Manzo rests.
Keegan:
I am lost at words. it's so special to see where everything started and to come back and to honor him."
On the last day of the visit, Keegan was invited by Natsumi to her school gym. She had something that she really wanted to show him. Locals gathered there for him, to play a traditional music, Sezume-Daiko with an ansamble of Japanese drums, which depicts Hayasaki-Seto, one of the three great currents in Japan. The intensity of the drum sound represents the roughness of the sea. Manzo traveled this treacherous sea and opened up his life in Canada.
Keegan:"
Wow...I have no words. Thank you"
Natsumi:
"Taiko (Japanese drums) literally drums in your heart, so I am glad that our drum sound touched his heart.
Keegan: "
It's been incredible to finally see Manzo's grave, to learn what he did in Canada, too see his life and his legacy ...it's making me reflect myself and to see who I am as a person, too. I think I am going to lead with my heart throughout every endeavor of my life."
This tweet shows just a first few minutes of the clip. I hope that they make the entire clip available for overseas fans to see!
ETA: the museum curator mentioned that there is a mountain in Canada named after Manzo - Mt. Manzo Nagano. I googled and found this clip - Steve Nagano, Manzo's great-grandson, who had climbed that mountain, was talking about that experience.
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com
skatecanada.ca
️
Had an amazing week at @iceacademyofmontreal Thank you Marie-France and Sam for such an incredible creative process.
Can’t wait to show off the new SP!!!
www3.nhk.or.jp
skatecanada.ca
