National Day Reception for the 82nd Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
November 30, 2015

 

On November 30th, prior to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan’s 82nd birthday on December 23rd, 2015, a reception in honour of his birthday was hosted by Ambassador Kenjiro Monji and Madam Etsuko Monji at the Westin Ottawa Hotel.

 

The reception was attended by distinguished guests including the Honourable David Tkachuk, Senator and Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, and other members of Parliament.

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There were about 580 people in attendance from a variety of fields including Canadian government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, Japanese nationals, representatives from the local Japanese-Canadian community, academia, cultural groups, media and local businesses.

 

Following the Japanese and Canadian national anthems, Ambassador Monji delivered opening remarks highlighting the ongoing bilateral cooperation between Japan and Canada in political, economic and cultural areas. He noted the first official meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the margins of the APEC Summit in Manila, which Ambassador Monji attended, and expressed his hope for further cooperation between Japan and Canada.

 

At the reception, sushi and tempura prepared by the Ambassador’s chef as well as 14 brands of sake from different regions of Japan were offered. Guests were also able to try Japanese tea from Japanese tea compnay Itoen and Shinmai rice, the first harvested crop of the season. Representatives were present from a variety of organizations including the Japan National Tourism Organizatio, Mie Prefecture, Hokkaiko Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Sendai City, and Kobe City, where G7 Summit will be held in 2016. Japan's two leading airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), were also on hand to introduce the beauty of Japan to guests.

An Ikebana arrangement by Ms. Anne Breau, Master of the Sogetsu School, beautiful posters of various Japanese regions, and attendees wearing kimonos including the Ambassador and Mrs. Monji further highlighted Japanese culture and helped to enliven this special reception. 

 

 

Ambassador and Mrs. Monji with Photos of Emperor and Empress

 

 

 

 

Shaking hands with the Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada

 

 

 

With the Honourable David Tkachuk, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group

 

 

Ambassador Monji delivering opening remarks

 

 

 

Guests listen to the Ambassador’s speech

 

 

Nearly 600 guests attended the reception

 

 

Ambassador Monji proposing a toast

 

 

 

Lieutenant-General Hood, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (right) and Japanese Air Attaché Col. Yasuhiro Ogawa (second right)

 

 

A variety of Sushi offered by Chef Fujii

 

 

Different varieties of Japanese sake were available to sample

 

 

Guests enjoying sake

 

 

 

A booth was set up to sample Shinmai rice, the first crop of the season to be harvested.

 

 

Japanese tea was offered by Itoen

 

 

Booth promoting West Japan tourism

 

 

Booth promoting tourism in northern Japan

 

 

Representatives from the Japan National Tourism Organization

 

 

A representative from All Nippon Airways (ANA)

 

 

A representative from Japan Airlines (JAL)

 

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