Reception hosted by Ambassador Monji for Japanese Canadian Community
On September 22, Ambassador Kenjiro Monji hosted a reception at his residence for members of Japanese Canadian Community who had gathered in Ottawa from across Canada to attend Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) as well as Conference and Gala Dinner, which were scheduled to start from September 23. These NAJC events took place in Ottawa as this year marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation of Canada, the 75th anniversary of the Incarceration of Japanese Canadians, as well as the 140th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Canada.
Ambassador Monji, in his welcome remark, spoke on the recent developments of Japan-Canada relations as well as next year’s 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations and 30th anniversary of the Nikkei Redress, and underlined the importance of cooperation with Japanese Canadian community for fostering relationship between the two countries. Mr. Monji’s welcome was followed by a remark by Mr. David Mitsui, NAJC President, and a toast proposed by Ms. Sachiko Okuda, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association. The guests enjoyed a few kinds of fine sake, selected by Ambassador Monji who has the title of Sake Samurai, as well as Japanese food such as sushi and tempura.
Ambassador Monji also attended the NAJC Gala Dinner on September 23 and delivered a remark in which he said that he would have to leave Canada next month after completing his tenure, and commended that Japanese Canadians had been making significant contribution to the development of Canada and, thus to Japan’s reputation in Canada, wishing the very best for further development and prosperity of Japanese Canadian Community. The three bottles of sake that our Embassy provided for the silent auction at Gala Dinner were well received.
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Amb. Monji delivering his remarks at Gala Dinner |
Gala Dinner overview |
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Oto-wa Taiko giving their performance at Gala Dinner |
Bear Nation Drummers performing at Gala Dinner |
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