Nick Suzuki receives the 2023 Sakura Award

MONTREAL - Nick Suzuki was honored for his contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture within Canada and abroad during a gala at the Canadian Cultural Center in Toronto on Saturday. The Habs captain is a fifth-generation Japanese Canadian.

SHOP: New Era cap designed by Nick Suzuki

Suzuki, former CFLer Bill Hatanaka, and three-time Olympic medalist Vicky Sunohara received the 2023 Sakura Award for "break[ing] down barriers and creat[ing] a great sense of pride within the community," underlined James Heron, the JCCC's executive director.

The Sakura Award has been presented since 2009 to celebrate Japanese culture and Japanese Canadian heritage.

Suzuki's mother Amanda was present for the ceremony alongside family.

"[Nick] is already an inspiration to a new generation of young Japanese Canadians and he will no doubt inspire and guide a new generation of Canadian athletes," added Heron.

Cover photo credit: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre