”Gambatte” means do your best and never give up, and that spirit is at the heart of David Tsubouchi’s life story. This memoir of the former Ontario cabinet minister begins as his family strives for acceptance amid the imprisonment of Canadians of Japanese descent and the confiscation of their property, possessions, and businesses by the Mackenzie King Liberal government in 1941. Despite growing up on the outside looking in, Tsubouchi never felt disadvantaged because he had a good family and was taught to persevere. Gambatte outlines his unusual career path from actor to dedicated law school student/lumber yard worker to politician. Tsubouchi was the first person of Japanese descent elected in Canada as a municipal politician and, as an MPP, to serve as a cabinet minister. His story also reveals an insider’s perspective of Mike Harris’s “Common Sense Revolution.”

David Tsubouchi's profile page

David Tsubouchi has served as the MPP for Markham for two terms and has held several cabinet posts in the Ontario Legislature including Chair of the Management Board and Minister of Culture. Tsubouchi currently sits on the Board of Governors for Seneca College. He is a partner in the law firm Fogler, Rubinoff LLP and was recently appointed as the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Mongolia.

“Tsubouchi’s book is gossipy about politicians, moving when he talks about his Japanese roots — and full of insider details about the Harris government. A must read for anyone who wants the inside scoop on how politics works.” — Toronto Sun

“Markhamites, political junkies, York Region residents alike will enjoy the well-paced and fluidly written book. Layered with backstage insight, names and stories about private late-night Ontario Art Gallery tours with The Rolling Stones, Mr. Tsubouchi has, as the translation implies, achieved Gambatte.” — YorkRegion.com