Reception for the 78th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
On November 24th, prior to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan’s birthday on December 23rd, a reception in honour of his birthday was held by Ambassador Kaoru Ishikawa and Madam Masako Ishikawa.
Following the Japanese and Canadian national anthems sung by Ms. Akiko Nitta accompanied on the piano by Mr. Emil Azuma Prikryl, Ambassador Ishikawa delivered a welcome speech in which he said that although 2011 was a year of challenge which required us to reflect deep in our soul, this year might also be a year of hope. Indeed, the disaster reminded us of the need for balance not only between Mother Nature and mankind, but also between humility and ambition, and between tradition and innovation.
To achieve this balance, he emphasized the importance of not only the brilliance of the human mind and the wonders of science and technology, but also the importance of a resilient spirit and the adherence to core values that help build strong and sustainable communities – values such as volunteerism and compassion. He reiterated that Japan and Canada continue to have a close relationship in fields such as science and technology, trade, and youth exchanges.
The Ambassador also reiterated his country’s gratitude for all the support and messages of compassion and encouragement sent by Canadian people.
In their speeches, the Honourable Beverley Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, Mr. Mike Wallace, M.P., talked about the friendly relations between the two nations and the active exchange that takes place within the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group. With the participation of guests, the sake barrel opening ceremony, “Kagami Biraki,” was held and guests prayed for further deepening and growth of the bilateral relationship between Japan and Canada.
At the reception, photos of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress’ visit to evacuees from the Great East Japan Earthquake were displayed along with photos and video footage of Japan’s space activities and Japan-Canada cooperation in the International Space Station. Furthermore, guests had the opportunity to taste sake from areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake as well as Chirashi-zushi made from rice from Ibaraki Prefecture. A tourism promotional DVD and earthquake-related DVDs were shown on a large screen and were of great interest to guests. These DVDs included a photo slideshow of local charity events, a video showing the state of reconstruction in the disaster-affected areas of Sendai City, a video message by the Japanese national women’s soccer team, “Nadeshiko Japan”, which provided information on post-quake reconstruction and expressed Japan’s appreciation for the support shown by people around the world.
The reception was attended by distinguished guests including: The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs; The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence; The Honourable Beverley Oda, Minister of International Cooperation; The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence; The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance); The Co-Chairs of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group: the Honourable David Tkachuk, Senator, and Mr. Mike Wallace, M.P.; as well as the Honorable Peter Milliken, the former Speaker of the House of Commons. There were about 700 people in attendance from various fields such as: cabinet ministers, Canadian government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, Japanese nationals and people from the local Japanese community, journalists, and people representing academics, cultural group and business.
(Please click here to read the speech by Ambassador Ishikawa)
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(Top Left) The Hon. Beverly J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, addressing the assembled guests.
(Top Right) Ambassador Ishikawa, The Hon. John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), and The Hon. Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation.
(Bottom Left) Mr. Mike Wallace, M.P., addressing the assembled guests.
(Bottom Right) The Hon. John Baird, The Hon. Peter MacKay, and The Hon. Ted Menzies preparing for the “Kagami Biraki,” Sake Barrel Opening Ceremony.
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(Top Left) Embassy staff displaying sake from Tohoku Prefecture.
(Top Right) Chirashi zushi made of rice from Ibaraki Prefecture. Also known as “Milky Way.”
(Bottom Left) Suisha Gardens’ Chef Yamaguchi preparing sushi for the guests. (Bottom Right) Guests attend The Emperor’s Birthday Celebration on November 24th, 2011. |
