Farewell reception for Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane
2019/11/18
On November 13, Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane hosted their farewell reception at their residence prior to their departure from Canada on November 18.
Approximately 200 guests attended the reception from a variety of fields including federal government officials, Canadian parliamentarians, and judicial dignitaries. Notable guests included The Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, Senator Jim Munson, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff and the Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as heads of diplomatic missions, representatives from businesses, academia, and cultural groups.
In his farewell speech, Ambassador Ishikane conveyed his gratitude for all the support and cooperation that he received during his two-year tenure in Canada. He expressed his hope for the further development of this bilateral relationship by building on both countries’ potentials. Mrs. Ishikane also delivered remarks, mentioning the concept of 'Ichigo ichie' (meeting only once in a lifetime) and thanked all of the people for their courtesy during her stay. Representing the Asia-Pacific Heads of Mission Group in Canada, the High Commissioner of Brunei, His Excellency Pg Hj Kamal Bashah bin Pg Hj Ahmad presented Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane a commemorative gift. The farewell speech was delivered by the Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In his remarks, he extended his congratulations to Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane for their achievements during the past two years and wished for their future successes at the new posting.
Guests enjoyed sushi with Japanese Wagyu beef from Iwate Prefecture that were freshly prepared in front of them by Mr. Masashi Okumura, the Ambassador's chef, and three different types of sake.
At the reception, photo panels displayed the volunteer recovery efforts by Canadian rugby players in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, following Typhoon Hagibis. Their Rugby World Cup match in the city was cancelled due to the typhoon. In addition, dishes prepared with ingredients from Iwate Prefecture were also offered. Two players from Canada's rugby team participated in the reception.
Approximately 200 guests attended the reception from a variety of fields including federal government officials, Canadian parliamentarians, and judicial dignitaries. Notable guests included The Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, Senator Jim Munson, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff and the Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as heads of diplomatic missions, representatives from businesses, academia, and cultural groups.
In his farewell speech, Ambassador Ishikane conveyed his gratitude for all the support and cooperation that he received during his two-year tenure in Canada. He expressed his hope for the further development of this bilateral relationship by building on both countries’ potentials. Mrs. Ishikane also delivered remarks, mentioning the concept of 'Ichigo ichie' (meeting only once in a lifetime) and thanked all of the people for their courtesy during her stay. Representing the Asia-Pacific Heads of Mission Group in Canada, the High Commissioner of Brunei, His Excellency Pg Hj Kamal Bashah bin Pg Hj Ahmad presented Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane a commemorative gift. The farewell speech was delivered by the Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In his remarks, he extended his congratulations to Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane for their achievements during the past two years and wished for their future successes at the new posting.
Guests enjoyed sushi with Japanese Wagyu beef from Iwate Prefecture that were freshly prepared in front of them by Mr. Masashi Okumura, the Ambassador's chef, and three different types of sake.
At the reception, photo panels displayed the volunteer recovery efforts by Canadian rugby players in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, following Typhoon Hagibis. Their Rugby World Cup match in the city was cancelled due to the typhoon. In addition, dishes prepared with ingredients from Iwate Prefecture were also offered. Two players from Canada's rugby team participated in the reception.
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| Ambassador Ishikane making his farewell speech |
Mrs. Ishikane delivering her speech |
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| The Honourable Andrew Leslie, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs delivering his farewell speech to the Ambassador |
Ambassador and Mrs. Ishikane with The Right Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada |
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| Ambassador and Mrs. Ishikane with The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada, and his spouse |
Ambassador and Mrs. Ishikane with General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, and his spouse |
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| Players from Canada's rugby team receiving sushi with Japanese Wagyu beef from Iwate Prefecture from Mr. Masashi Okumura, the Ambassador's chef |