Kiyoko Tanaka-Goto, a woman of Japanese descent, faced challenging life circumstances that compelled her to migrate to Canada. Here, she defied the patriarchal norms of society and decided to start her own business. Her primary focus was managing a brothel, which helped Kiyoko establish a comfortable life. Read more on vancouveranka.
A Difficult Childhood
Kiyoko Tanaka-Goto was born in Tokyo in 1896. At the age of four, her father left the family and moved to San Francisco. She and her mother relocated to Kyushu Island, her mother’s place of origin. Financial difficulties forced the family to establish a farm and work tirelessly from dawn to dusk. The situation worsened when Kiyoko’s father stopped sending money after her mother refused to move to join him.
Moving to Canada
At the age of 19, Kiyoko decided to change her life and married a man she had only seen in photographs. In the early 20th century, young Japanese men often migrated to Canada in search of better economic opportunities, intending to save enough money to return home and live luxuriously. However, reality was harsher than expected, and many found it difficult even to afford a return trip. This led to challenges in finding wives, as single women rarely came to Canada from Japan. Thus, the practice of “picture brides” emerged, where prospective spouses exchanged letters and photos across the ocean. Kiyoko seized this opportunity to leave Japan.
Starting Her Own Business
Kiyoko moved with her husband to Vancouver Island, but her life remained largely unchanged. She continued to work on a farm, milking cows and cleaning chicken coops for three to four hours a day. Afterward, she collected linens from a hotel and washed them at home. Sleep was limited to four to five hours a night as the rest of her time was consumed by hard labour. After several years of this demanding lifestyle, Kiyoko decided to leave farming behind. By 1920, she had saved $2,000 and moved to Vancouver. Together with three other women, Kiyoko purchased property at the corner of Powell and Gore streets, where she established a brothel.
The first year of operation was highly successful. Despite having few prostitutes and serving primarily fishermen and loggers as clients, Kiyoko managed to earn a significant income.
In 1922, Kiyoko fell ill and met a man who promised to pay for her medical treatment. They moved to Kamloops, but Kiyoko once again found herself in domestic servitude, washing clothes and cooking meals. After five years, she returned to Vancouver and rented the second floor of a hotel at 35 West Hastings Street, where she established another brothel. Kiyoko treated the women working for her well, taking only a 30% commission compared to the 50% typical of other establishments. She reported that white women charged $2 for their services, while time with exotic Japanese women ranged from $3 to $5. Additionally, she ensured all clients were screened for diseases.
Business Expansion and Police Connections
When a new police chief was appointed in Vancouver, Kiyoko’s business flourished further as she had a personal connection with him. This relationship allowed her to continue her operations successfully, while competitors were arrested for similar activities. Her brothel operated until 1941.
The Closure of Her Business
With the onset of World War II, Kiyoko was arrested and sent to Oakalla Prison. Later, she was transferred to Greenwood, where she remained for four years. After the war, she returned to Vancouver and attempted to restart her sex business while also planning to open a gambling club. However, the new police force was less inclined to turn a blind eye to vice and brothels, preventing her from resuming her operations. Kiyoko passed away at the age of 80.