On Friday, July 28th, 2017, Ambassador and Madame Monji hosted a farewell reception for this year’s outgoing JETs from Ottawa.  Speeches were given by the ambassador, a departing JET representative, and the co-vice-presidents of the JET Alumni Association in Ottawa.  A toast was led by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunsuke Takei. This year 185 JETs departed Canada to Japan on July 29th 2017, of whom 15 are from Ottawa.  Guests enjoyed Japanese food prepared by the ambassador’s chef, and three different types of sake, selected by the ambassador himself, a sake samurai.

 

 

This year’s departing JETs pose for a picture with Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takei and Ambassador and Madame Monji.

 

 

Ambassador Monji gives some opening remarks.

 

 

Departing JET Meghan Manning gives her remarks on behalf of her fellow departing JETs.

 

 

JET Alumni Association co-vice-presidents Brandon Wallace and Erica Long deliver their remarks to the outgoing JETs.

 

 

Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shunsuke Takei leads a toast to the outgoing JETs.

 

 

Reception guests enjoying sushi and other Japanese food, prepared by the ambassador’s chef.

 

 

A sake corner was prepared, featuring three different kinds of Japanese sake.

 

 

Reception guests enjoying the beautiful weather on the patio.

 

 

Ambassador Monji demonstrates the proper way to give and receive business cards in Japan.

 

 

Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takei enjoys a fun conversation with some guests.