Reception for the 79th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
On November 22nd, 2012, prior to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan’s birthday on December 23rd, a reception in honour of his birthday was held by Ambassador Kaoru Ishikawa and Madam Masako Ishikawa at the Westin Ottawa.
Following the Japanese and Canadian national anthems sung by Ms. Noriko Hashimoto, and accompanied on the piano by Mr. Emil Azuma Prikryl, Ambassador Ishikawa delivered a welcome speech in which he emphasized the importance to search for balance and create harmony between Mother Nature and mankind. Ambassador Ishikawa also reiterated that Japan-Canada relations are not simply about trade and investment but also Japan and Canada’s strong relationship in fields such as science and technology. The Ambassador introduced forward-looking cooperation between both countries, including the areas of nanotechnology, iPS cells, and aerospace.
In their speeches, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons; and the Honourable David Tkachuk, Senator and Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, noted that Japan and Canada are founded on the shared fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law and the active exchange that takes place within the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group. With the participation of many distinguished guests, the sake barrel opening ceremony, “Kagami Biraki,” was held, and guests prayed for further deepening and growth of the bilateral relationship between Japan and Canada.
At the reception, a DVD of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress’ visit to Canada in 2009; a tourism promotional DVD; as well as a Japan promotional video on environmental technology, Japanese food and culture, were shown on a large screen. Photo panels and video footage of Japan’s space activities and Japan-Canada cooperation in the International Space Station were also displayed. Guests also had the opportunity to taste sake from the Tohoku region of Japan.
The reception was attended by distinguished guests including: The Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons; The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; Mr. Chris Alexander, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defense; Ms. Eve Adams, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs; Mr. Pierre Lemieux, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture; Mr. Andrew Saxton, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification; The Honourable Mr. Rob Merrifield, The Co-Chairs of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; the Honourable David Tkachuk, Senator; and Mr. Mike Wallace, M.P.. There were over 700 people in attendance such as: a cabinet minister and parliamentary secretaries; Canadian government officials; heads of diplomatic missions; Japanese nationals and people from the local Japanese community; journalists; and people representing academics, cultural groups and businesses.
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Senator David Tkachuk making remarks
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Kagami Biraki Sake Ceremony (From left to right: Ambassador Ishikawa, Mr. Chris Alexander, M.P. , Mr. Mike Wallace, M.P., The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Mr. Colin Mayes, M.P. , Ms. Eve Adams, M.P., Mr. Pierre Lemieux, M.P., The Hon. David Tkachuk, Mr. Andrew Saxton, M.P.)
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