Japan Day: Moving towards Tokyo 2020
2020/3/13
On February 28, 2020, the Embassy of Japan organized “Japan Day: Moving towards Tokyo 2020” at the TD Place hockey arena in collaboration with the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA), Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (OCPSA), Boccia Canada, Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA). The event promoted the upcoming 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
A reception was held prior to the event. In his speech, Ambassador Kawamura shared the three messages which the Tokyo 2020 games wish to send to the world: an inclusive society, sustainability and reconstruction from disaster. He also expressed his hope that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will promote further people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Canada. Mr. Adam van Koeverden MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, delivered brief remarks and gave a toast. As a former Olympic gold medalist, he noted that he is excited for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In collaboration with CCPSA, OCPSA and Boccia Canada, a Boccia experience booth promoted the Paralympic sport of Boccia. Two local Ottawa boccia athletes, Mr. Bryce Desrochers and Mr. Kevin Shaw, were present to demonstrate the sport. Ambassador Kawamura participated in the first game. The audience had the chance to learn about boccia and practice the sport.
The Embassy of Japan’s booth promoted the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the support of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. At the OJCA booth, the audience had the chance to try traditional Japanese games such as kendama and enjoy origami.
Before the hockey game and during the first intermission, Japanese children dancers performed ‘Paprika’, a Japanese cheering song for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event was successful, with around 500 people stopping by the various booths to participate in the activities.
A reception was held prior to the event. In his speech, Ambassador Kawamura shared the three messages which the Tokyo 2020 games wish to send to the world: an inclusive society, sustainability and reconstruction from disaster. He also expressed his hope that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will promote further people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Canada. Mr. Adam van Koeverden MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, delivered brief remarks and gave a toast. As a former Olympic gold medalist, he noted that he is excited for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In collaboration with CCPSA, OCPSA and Boccia Canada, a Boccia experience booth promoted the Paralympic sport of Boccia. Two local Ottawa boccia athletes, Mr. Bryce Desrochers and Mr. Kevin Shaw, were present to demonstrate the sport. Ambassador Kawamura participated in the first game. The audience had the chance to learn about boccia and practice the sport.
The Embassy of Japan’s booth promoted the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the support of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. At the OJCA booth, the audience had the chance to try traditional Japanese games such as kendama and enjoy origami.
Before the hockey game and during the first intermission, Japanese children dancers performed ‘Paprika’, a Japanese cheering song for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event was successful, with around 500 people stopping by the various booths to participate in the activities.
 |
 |
| Ambassador Kawamura delivering his remarks |
Mr. Adam van Koeverden delivering his remarks |
 |
 |
| Ambassador Kawamura, Mr. van Koeverden and Ottawa boccia athlete Mr. Bryce Desrochers |
Ambassador Kawamura playing boccia |
 |
 |
| Ambassador Kawamura playing boccia |
Ambassador Kawamura and Ottawa boccia athlete Mr. Kevin Shaw |
 |
 |
| Japanese children dancers performing ‘Paprika’ |
The Boccia experience booth |
 |
 |
| Audience trying out Japanese games | Audience trying out kendama |