“Kabuto” Cultural Event co-hosted with the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group
2024/5/2
On May 2, 2024, the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP), held a cultural event to promote the Japan-Canada relations with the display of a traditional Japanese kabuto (helmet) in the Senate of Canada.
The Honourable Stan Kutcher, Senator, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, delivered opening remarks in which he discussed Asian Heritage Month and thanked the Embassy of Japan for co-hosting the event.
Ambassador YAMANOUCHI Kanji gave welcoming remarks. In his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the role of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group as an important bridge between Japan and Canada, and thanked the co-chairs of the CAJP, Senator Kutcher and Mr. Terry Sheehan, M.P. The Ambassador referred to the importance of Asian Heritage Month as an opportunity to celebrate the cultures and traditions of Asian communities, particularly the Japanese Canadian (Nikkei) community, which dates back nearly 150 years. Ambassador Yamanouchi praised the Nikkei community’s great contributions to Canada, notably their work to promote Japanese culture in Canada. The Ambassador concluded by mentioning all four cultural performances that took place during the event.
Ms. Melisa Kamibayashi, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA), offered a toast.
The event was opened by a Japanese drum performance by Oto-Wa Taiko. Then, guests enjoyed the three martial arts performances; Iaido by Tateyama Kendo and Iaido Club, Judo by Takahashi Dojo and Karate by Ottawa JKA.
On the occasion of Asian Heritage Month, the Embassy of Japan lent a small kabuto (helmet) to the Senate that was displayed during the event and will be displayed throughout the month of May in order to show to senators, staff members and visitors in the Senate building. The kabuto display is a traditional part of Children’s Day celebrations in Japan, held on May 5. It is displayed to wish for children’s happiness and for them to be strong and brave.
Nearly 100 people including around 64 parliamentarians attended the event and enjoyed the Japanese culture and food.
The Honourable Stan Kutcher, Senator, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, delivered opening remarks in which he discussed Asian Heritage Month and thanked the Embassy of Japan for co-hosting the event.
Ambassador YAMANOUCHI Kanji gave welcoming remarks. In his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the role of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group as an important bridge between Japan and Canada, and thanked the co-chairs of the CAJP, Senator Kutcher and Mr. Terry Sheehan, M.P. The Ambassador referred to the importance of Asian Heritage Month as an opportunity to celebrate the cultures and traditions of Asian communities, particularly the Japanese Canadian (Nikkei) community, which dates back nearly 150 years. Ambassador Yamanouchi praised the Nikkei community’s great contributions to Canada, notably their work to promote Japanese culture in Canada. The Ambassador concluded by mentioning all four cultural performances that took place during the event.
Ms. Melisa Kamibayashi, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA), offered a toast.
The event was opened by a Japanese drum performance by Oto-Wa Taiko. Then, guests enjoyed the three martial arts performances; Iaido by Tateyama Kendo and Iaido Club, Judo by Takahashi Dojo and Karate by Ottawa JKA.
On the occasion of Asian Heritage Month, the Embassy of Japan lent a small kabuto (helmet) to the Senate that was displayed during the event and will be displayed throughout the month of May in order to show to senators, staff members and visitors in the Senate building. The kabuto display is a traditional part of Children’s Day celebrations in Japan, held on May 5. It is displayed to wish for children’s happiness and for them to be strong and brave.
Nearly 100 people including around 64 parliamentarians attended the event and enjoyed the Japanese culture and food.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering welcoming remarks | Senator Kutcher delivering opening remarks |
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| Ms. Kamibayashi offering a toast | Taiko performance by Oto-Wa Taiko |
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| Iaido performance by Tateyama Kendo and Iaido Club | Judo performance by Takahashi Dojo |
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| Karate performance by Ottawa JKA | Sushi prepared by Chef Shima, Official Residence Chef of the Embassy of Japan |
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| Kabuto (helmet) lent by the Embassy of Japan |