2019 New Year Reception
2019/1/26
On January 22, Ambassador Ishikane hosted the 2019 New Year’s Reception at his residence. Around 110 people attended this lively event, including Japanese nationals and Japanese Canadians living in Ottawa area.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ishikane introduced the significant progress that Japan-Canada relations had made in 2018, citing as examples the ratification of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and many high-level exchanges such as Prime Minister Abe’s participation in the G7 Charlevoix Summit. Ambassador Ishikane expressed his enthusiasm to put this strategic cooperation into “action” in many areas for the year 2019, another special year as the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Canada’s diplomatic mission to Japan. 2019 is also a year in which we will witness many events hosted by Japan, such as the G20 Summit and the enthronement of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. He also expressed his respect and praise for Japanese Canadians and Japanese citizens living in Canada who contribute to promoting Japan-Canada relations, and asked for their continued support.
Mr. Okumura, chef of Ambassador Ishikane, prepared a variety of Japanese dishes for the occasion, including osechi (a set of Japanese dishes served on New Year’s Day), sushi and tempura. Japanese sake from different regions was also served. An ikebana flower arrangement by Ms. Anne Breau, President of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Ottawa, and Japanese New Year decorations added a festive atmosphere to the reception.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ishikane introduced the significant progress that Japan-Canada relations had made in 2018, citing as examples the ratification of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and many high-level exchanges such as Prime Minister Abe’s participation in the G7 Charlevoix Summit. Ambassador Ishikane expressed his enthusiasm to put this strategic cooperation into “action” in many areas for the year 2019, another special year as the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Canada’s diplomatic mission to Japan. 2019 is also a year in which we will witness many events hosted by Japan, such as the G20 Summit and the enthronement of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. He also expressed his respect and praise for Japanese Canadians and Japanese citizens living in Canada who contribute to promoting Japan-Canada relations, and asked for their continued support.
Mr. Okumura, chef of Ambassador Ishikane, prepared a variety of Japanese dishes for the occasion, including osechi (a set of Japanese dishes served on New Year’s Day), sushi and tempura. Japanese sake from different regions was also served. An ikebana flower arrangement by Ms. Anne Breau, President of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Ottawa, and Japanese New Year decorations added a festive atmosphere to the reception.
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| Ambassador Ishikane delivering his opening remarks |
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| Guests enjoying Japanese food by the Ambassador’s chef |
Guests enjoying Japanese food by the Ambassador’s chef |
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| Sake booth |
Ikebana arrangement by Ms. Anne Breau, President of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Ottawa |