Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan returned to Japan after a 12-day state visit to Canada which included stops in Ottawa, Toronto, Victoria, and Vancouver from July 3 to 14, 2009. Their Visit to Canada was made at the invitation of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada.
His Majesty visited Canada when he was a 19-year-old crown prince prior to attending the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Emperor Showa’s representative in April, 1953. His Majesty revisited Canada after 56 years and retraced the memorable places with Her Majesty. During their visit, His Majesty shared his fond memories with Her Majesty and received a warm welcome by many Canadians, the Japanese-Canadian Community, as well as Japanese Nationals residing in Canada.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations as well as the 50th wedding anniversary of their Majesties and the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. We believe that their visit to Canada during this special year will further promote the mutual understanding and development of friendly relations between Japan and Canada.
Friday, July 3
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Their Majesties were greeted by The Hon. Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Bev Oda, Minister of International-Cooperation, and His Excellency Jonathan Fried, Canadian Ambassador to Japan and Mrs. Paula Fried.
©Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Sunday, July 5
Meeting with representatives of the Japanese-Canadian Community and Japanese Nationals (Japanese Ambassador’s Official Residence)
Their Majesties applauded the welcome performance of the Oto-wa Taiko, a renowned local Japanese taiko drum group. Their Majesties met with representatives of the Japanese-Canadian Community residing in Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax as well as Japanese Nationals at the Japanese Ambassador’s official residence.
Photographer: Sam Garcia
Monday, July 6
Official Welcoming Ceremony at the Governor General of Canada’s official residence at Rideau Hall)
Their Majesties arriving by carriage and waving to attend the official welcoming ceremony at the Governor General of Canada’s official residence at Rideau Hall.
Photographer : MCpl Jean-Francois Neron, Rideau Hall
©2009 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada
Their Majesties talking to students of Hoshuko (supplementary school).
Photographer : MCpl Jean-Francois Neron, Rideau Hall
©2009 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada
Their Majesties having conversations with the Japanese-Canadian Community, Japanese Nationals, and Ottawa residents who were welcoming them with the national flags of Japan and Canada.
Photographer : MCpl Jean-Francois Neron, Rideau Hall
©2009 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada
The address in reply by His Majesty the Emperor during the Welcoming Ceremony organized by Their Excellencies, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond (The remarks can be found here).
Photographer : MCpl Jean-Francois Neron, Rideau Hall
©2009 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada
Photographer : MCpl Jean-Francois Neron, Rideau Hall
©2009 Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada
Monday, July 6
Visit to Carleton University, luncheon and meetings with University of Ottawa and Carleton University staff.
Their Majesties listening to the youth choir of the Ottawa Catholic School Board on the patio at Carleton University.
©Carleton University
©Carleton University
Tuesday, July 7
Visit to the Chamber of the House of Commons and Senate
Their Majesties were greeted by The Honourable Noél A. Kinsella Speaker of the Senate and Mrs. Ann Kinsella as well as The Honourable Peter Milliken, Speaker of the House of Commons and then signed the guest books in the Senate and the House of Commons prior to visiting the House floor, the Senate floor, and the Library of Parliament.
©Senate of Canada
Wednesday, July 8
Special Event of 80th Anniversary of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations (Lester B. Pearson Building).
Their Majesties attended this special event commemorating the 80th anniversary of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT). Their Majesties enjoyed the presentation of archival film and photos from 1953 when His Majesty visited Canada for the first time as a crown prince. They were also presented with the unveiling of a commemorative coin and a special stamp by the Royal Canadian Mint and the Canada Post. Other performances included musical members by Monkey Majik, named Goodwill Ambassadors by the both governments, the presentation of a film relating to the cooperation of Canada-Japan relations, and a performance by Famous PEOPLE Players.
Their Majesties and Minister Lawrence Cannon and Ms. Christine Donoghue taking a commemorative photo together.
©Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Performance by Monkey Majik, Goodwill Ambassadors for the 80th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations.
©Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Their Majesties and Minister Lawrence Cannon and Ms. Christine Donoghue viewing a special display related to His Majesties’ visit to Canada in 1953.
©Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
