Presentation and Reception on the Success of the EXPO 2025 Osaka. Kansai, Japan and the Significant Contribution of the Canada Pavilion to the Expo
2026/1/14
On January 14, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, in cooperation with Global Affairs Canada, hosted a presentation and reception at the Ambassador's residence regarding the success of the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and the significant contribution of the Canada Pavilion to the Expo. The event was attended by approximately 60 people, including the Hon. Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Mohammad Khair Al Zaibak, Senator, the Hon. Tony Loffreda, Senator, Ms. Christine Nakamura, Vice President (Central Canada Office) of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, officials from Global Affairs Canada and from ministries and agencies involved in the Expo, members of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) and the Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre (OJCC), representatives from academic and cultural organizations, the media and others.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi touched upon the ever-changing global situation of recent times while reflecting on notable events between Japan and Canada in 2025. He highlighted EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, introducing the Expo's overview, its features, including the Grand Ring, recognized by Guinness World Records as “the largest wooden architectural structure,” and other aspects. He also mentioned the significant role played by the Canada Pavilion's concept presentation in October 2023, which received extensive media coverage, in leading the Expo to success. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the cooperative experience accumulated between Japan and Canada through the Expo for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada in 2028.
Following this, the Hon. Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed congratulations on the successful hosting of the EXPO and the Canada Pavilion's achievements. Looking back on Canada-Japan diplomatic relations in 2025, she emphasized that the mutual friendship and trust between Canada and Japan remain unshakable even under difficult circumstances.
Next, Ms. Laurie Peters, Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2025 Osaka, delivered a presentation on the Canada Pavilion. She passionately explained in detail how her team worked to make the Canada Pavilion more appealing and meaningful, including the process behind deciding on “Regeneration” as the theme, reflecting on the Expo 67 in Montreal and past Expos in Japan including the Expo ‘70 in Osaka. Furthermore, when she reported that the Canada Pavilion had received high praise from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and from visitors, the guests in attendance erupted in applause. At the conclusion of the presentation, Ms. Laurie Peters presented Ambassador Yamanouchi with a Canada Pavilion happi coat (a traditional Japanese straight-sleeved jacket).
To conclude the presentation segment of the event, Ms. Christine Nakamura, Vice President (Central Canada Office) of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada offered a toast. Ms. Nakamura referenced the success of the Indigenous women’s trade delegation to Japan led by her team, and which included engagements at the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025.
At the reception that followed, guests were treated to Japanese cuisine prepared by Mr. Shima, Chef of the Embassy of Japan in Canada. As a special treat, the signature maple cookies from the Canada Pavilion were served as dessert, with the participation of the pavilion’s Chef, Mr. Philippe Cameron. Those dishes captivated the guests. In addition to the photo slideshow before the presentation began, videos about EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai were screened during the reception. Furthermore, an ice sculpture representing the Canada Pavilion and created by Mr. Ikuo Kanbayashi and Mr. Philippe Cameron was installed at the venue, adding a festive touch to the reception.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi touched upon the ever-changing global situation of recent times while reflecting on notable events between Japan and Canada in 2025. He highlighted EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, introducing the Expo's overview, its features, including the Grand Ring, recognized by Guinness World Records as “the largest wooden architectural structure,” and other aspects. He also mentioned the significant role played by the Canada Pavilion's concept presentation in October 2023, which received extensive media coverage, in leading the Expo to success. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the cooperative experience accumulated between Japan and Canada through the Expo for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada in 2028.
Following this, the Hon. Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed congratulations on the successful hosting of the EXPO and the Canada Pavilion's achievements. Looking back on Canada-Japan diplomatic relations in 2025, she emphasized that the mutual friendship and trust between Canada and Japan remain unshakable even under difficult circumstances.
Next, Ms. Laurie Peters, Commissioner General for Canada at Expo 2025 Osaka, delivered a presentation on the Canada Pavilion. She passionately explained in detail how her team worked to make the Canada Pavilion more appealing and meaningful, including the process behind deciding on “Regeneration” as the theme, reflecting on the Expo 67 in Montreal and past Expos in Japan including the Expo ‘70 in Osaka. Furthermore, when she reported that the Canada Pavilion had received high praise from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and from visitors, the guests in attendance erupted in applause. At the conclusion of the presentation, Ms. Laurie Peters presented Ambassador Yamanouchi with a Canada Pavilion happi coat (a traditional Japanese straight-sleeved jacket).
To conclude the presentation segment of the event, Ms. Christine Nakamura, Vice President (Central Canada Office) of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada offered a toast. Ms. Nakamura referenced the success of the Indigenous women’s trade delegation to Japan led by her team, and which included engagements at the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025.
At the reception that followed, guests were treated to Japanese cuisine prepared by Mr. Shima, Chef of the Embassy of Japan in Canada. As a special treat, the signature maple cookies from the Canada Pavilion were served as dessert, with the participation of the pavilion’s Chef, Mr. Philippe Cameron. Those dishes captivated the guests. In addition to the photo slideshow before the presentation began, videos about EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai were screened during the reception. Furthermore, an ice sculpture representing the Canada Pavilion and created by Mr. Ikuo Kanbayashi and Mr. Philippe Cameron was installed at the venue, adding a festive touch to the reception.
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| Opening remarks by Ambassador Yamanouchi |
Remarks by the Hon. Mona Fortier |
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| Presentation by Ms. Laurie Peters |
Presentation of the happi coat worn at the Canada Pavilion |
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| Toast by Ms. Christine Nakamura |
Scene from the reception |
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| Japanese food and maple cookies provided | Commemorative photo with the ice sculpture |