Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony
for Mrs. Grace Tomiko Furuya
On July 12, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan made the announcement that it would bestow the Foreign Minister’s Commendation on Mrs. Grace Tomiko Furuya, a Japanese-Canadian Ottawa resident for her superb achievement in promoting Japanese culture in Canada. On August 30, a commendation Ceremony for Mrs. Furuya was held at the official residence of Ambassador Ishikawa.
The ceremony was attended by guests including Mrs. Furuya, the recipient of the award; Mrs. Aline Chretien, wife of former Prime Minister Jean Chretien; Ms. Marie-Eve Coupal-Place, President of the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter No. 120; Mr. Derek Kitchen, President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikeban;, as well as family members and friends of Mrs. Furuya.
As Honourary Member of the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter No. 120, Mrs. Furuya has long been dedicated to teaching and promoting Japanese flower arrangement mainly in Ottawa. Mrs. Furuya contributed to the founding of the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter as well as the Ottawa Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Furthermore, she has played an extraordinary role in training Ikebana enthusiasts and has helped strengthen the friendship between Japan and Canada. |
