JETAA Natsu Matsuri
On July 23rd, the 13th Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) was held by JETAA Ottawa at Mooney’s Bay on the Rideau River. More than 1,200 people came to enjoy this annual event.
In his remarks, Ambassador Monji mentioned two anniversaries; 150 years of Canadian confederation this year, and 90 years of Japan-Canada of diplomatic relations next year. He gratefully noted the contribution that JET (the Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme participants and JETAA (Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association) Ottawa members make towards Japan-Canada cultural understanding.
Ottawa City Councillor Riley Brockington also made remarks, saying that Japan and Canada are enjoying a friendly relationship with shared values. He also congratulated the JET Programme on its success in connecting people from both countries.
During the event, participants enjoyed performances of Shamisen and Taiko, Japanese dances and demonstrations of Japanese martial arts. As well there were Japan-related booths introducing Bonsai, Japanese knife forging, animation, tea, origami and calligraphy. JETAA served Japanese-style hotdogs and yakisoba. The Embassy ran booths to distribute Japanese pens and to introduce Mugi-cha (barley tea), Kirigami (Japanese paper cutting), and tourism in Japan, as well as an information booth for the JET Programme and MEXT Scholarship.
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Ambassador Monji making remarks |
Councillor Brockington making remarks |
Ambassador Monji, Councillor Brockington and JETAA Ottawa Vice-President Brandon Wallace |
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Japanese stationery booth |
Japanese paper cutting |
Embassy information booths |
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JET Programme information booth |
Aikido demonstration by Yoseikan |
Japanese dance by Emi no Kai |
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Japanese drumming performance by Oto-Wa Taiko |
Hanagasa-Ondo performance by Komachi Montreal |
Budo demonstration by Tateyama Dojo |
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Japanese knife forging demonstration by Mr. Masashi Yamamoto |
Tea, flower arranging, and sumi-e demonstration by Camellia Teas |
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Demonstration by Ottawa Japan Karate Association |
Audience at Mooney’s Bay |
People enjoying Natsu Matsuri |
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