2017 New Year Reception

 

On January 11, Ambassador and Mrs. Monji hosted the 2017 New Year’s Reception at his residence. About 130 guests attended this lively event including Japanese nationals and Japanese Canadians living in Ottawa area.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Monji said that 2016 saw many VIP visits between Japan and Canada mostly in the context of the G7 meetings, including the first official visit by Prime Minister and Mrs. Trudeau to Japan as the destination of his first bilateral visit in Asia, where Prime Minister Trudeau agreed with PM Abe to create a “new era for Japan-Canada cooperation”. Ambassador Monji also stressed the importance of furthering the bilateral relations by seizing every opportunity such as the 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations in 2018, and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. Furthermore, referring to the 75th Anniversary of the Nikkei incarceration this year, Ambassador Monji commended the steadfast efforts Japanese Canadians have exerted over generations, and expressed his determination to work closely with Japanese Canadians as well as Japanese nationals to promote Japan-Canada relations.

A variety of dishes prepared by Ambassador’s chef were served including Osechi (Japanese New Year dishes), sushi and shrimp tempura as well as Japanese sake from different regions selected by Ambassador Monji himself who has a title of Sake Samurai. An Ikebana flower arrangement by Ms. Anne Breau, Sogetsu School instructor, and Japanese New Year decorations added a festive atmosphere to the reception.

 

		Guests enjoying Japanese food by  Ambassador’s chef

Offering sake selected by Ambassador Monji, a Sake Samurai	Guests had an opportunity to try different kinds of sake	Ikebana arrangement by Ms. Anne Breau, Sogetsu School instructor