Ambassador Monji attends the 6th World Naginata Championship
On June 20th, Ambassador and Mrs. Monji visited Montreal to attend the 6th World Naginata Championship at the McGill University Sports Centre. It was the first time the championship was held in Canada. Twelve countries participated in the occasion.
At the opening ceremony, Ms. Kumiko Hashimoto, President of International Naginata Foundation (spouse of former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto), Ambassador Monji, Mr. Hideaki Kuramitsu, Consul General of Japan in Montreal and Mr. Jamie Nicholls, MP delivered speeches. In his remarks, Ambassador Monji noted that sport is one of the most important ways to enhance understanding between countries and peoples, and heralded the championship as a “new chapter in cooperation and exchange between Canada and Japan.”
He also expressed his appreciation to the organizers for increasing awareness and appreciation for Japanese martial arts in Canada.
Throughout the tournament, participants performed admirably and staged exciting matches. At the closing ceremony, Ambassador Monji, along with President Hashimoto, conferred awards to the participants, while congratulating them on their achievement.
During their visit, Ambassador and Mrs. Monji also visited the Montreal Botanical Garden’s Japanese Garden and Pavilion. While exploring the grounds, they felt the inspiration by traditional Japanese landscaping as well as the presence of Japanese culture in Montreal, which is strengthened by its sister city relationship with Hiroshima.
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