2026 New Year’s Reception
2026/1/16
On January 16, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted the 2026 New Year’s Reception at his residence. Approximately 115 guests attended this event, including Senator Stan Kutcher, Co-Chair of the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, Japanese nationals living in the Ottawa area, members of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) and the Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre (OJCC) as well as cultural organizations and others.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi referenced the ever-changing global situation of recent times, while reflecting on notable events between Japan and Canada in 2025, That being said, he emphasized that even in 2026, the foundation for building a more multi-layered friendship and partnership between Japan and Canada will remain the exchanges and friendship between the peoples of both countries, and that this reception would also serve as a valuable opportunity to foster these ties. After that, Senator Stan Kutcher and Mr. Matt Miwa, President of the OJCA gave their greetings as guests, and the Kagami-Biraki ceremony was held to wish the participants a happy and prosperous year 2026. Next, Ms. Tomomi Sakajiri, President of Oto-Wa Taiko, gave a toast.
Mr. Shima, Chef of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, prepared a variety of Japanese dishes for the occasion, including Osechi (a set of Japanese festive dishes served on New Year’s Day), sushi and tempura. Japanese sake was also served. In addition, Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, by Ms. Claire McCaughey, President of the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter, and Kakizome (first calligraphy of the year) by the students of the Ottawa Hoshuko were displayed, adding a festive touch to the reception.
*Kagami-Biraki is a ceremony performed at celebratory events in Japan. ‘Kagami’ refers to the lid of the sake barrel, and ‘Biraki’ means ‘to open’, so Kagami-Biraki literally means, ‘opening the lid’. Because of its round shape, ‘Kagami’ is also as symbol of harmony. Kagami-Biraki therefore represents an opening to harmony and good fortune and is often performed to celebrate the New Year and the start of a new departure in life or business.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi referenced the ever-changing global situation of recent times, while reflecting on notable events between Japan and Canada in 2025, That being said, he emphasized that even in 2026, the foundation for building a more multi-layered friendship and partnership between Japan and Canada will remain the exchanges and friendship between the peoples of both countries, and that this reception would also serve as a valuable opportunity to foster these ties. After that, Senator Stan Kutcher and Mr. Matt Miwa, President of the OJCA gave their greetings as guests, and the Kagami-Biraki ceremony was held to wish the participants a happy and prosperous year 2026. Next, Ms. Tomomi Sakajiri, President of Oto-Wa Taiko, gave a toast.
Mr. Shima, Chef of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, prepared a variety of Japanese dishes for the occasion, including Osechi (a set of Japanese festive dishes served on New Year’s Day), sushi and tempura. Japanese sake was also served. In addition, Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, by Ms. Claire McCaughey, President of the Ikebana International Ottawa Centennial Chapter, and Kakizome (first calligraphy of the year) by the students of the Ottawa Hoshuko were displayed, adding a festive touch to the reception.
*Kagami-Biraki is a ceremony performed at celebratory events in Japan. ‘Kagami’ refers to the lid of the sake barrel, and ‘Biraki’ means ‘to open’, so Kagami-Biraki literally means, ‘opening the lid’. Because of its round shape, ‘Kagami’ is also as symbol of harmony. Kagami-Biraki therefore represents an opening to harmony and good fortune and is often performed to celebrate the New Year and the start of a new departure in life or business.
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| Opening remarks by Ambassador Yamanouchi |
Remarks by Senator Stan Kutcher |
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| Remarks by Mr. Matt Miwa, President of the OJCA |
Kagami-biraki ceremony by Ambassador Yamanouchi and guests |
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| Toast by Ms. Tomomi Sakajiri, President of Oto-wa Taiko |
Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, by Ms. Claire McCaughey |
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| Kakizome work by the students of the Ottawa Hoshuko | |