The Japan Self-Defense Forces Anniversary Reception
2024/9/18
On September 18, 2024, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted a reception in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
The reception was attended by many dignitaries, including Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant, Chair of the National Defence Committee John McKay, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Ali Ehsassi, Co-Chairs of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group Senator Stan Kutcher and MP Terry Sheehan, as well as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Kelsey, Commander of the Canadian Army Lt. Gen. Wright, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Vice Adm. Topshee, and many other members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Attendees also included members of the federal government, Parliament, and judiciary, heads of diplomatic missions, military attachés, as well as representatives from academia, culture, and business, totaling approximately 350 people.
The event commenced with a trio, consisting of graduates from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, performing the Canadian national anthem, followed by a solo performance of Japan’s national anthem by a student from the University of Toronto.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi highlighted that since its establishment in 1954, the JSDF has played a crucial role both domestically and internationally, consistently contributing to the safety and peace of the Japanese people over the past 70 years. He praised the rapidly deepening defense relationship between Japan and Canada and expressed his belief that the strong bonds between the JSDF and the Canadian Armed Forces, built over the years, would serve as a foundation for addressing future challenges. He also expressed hope for further strengthening of relations between the two forces.
Following remarks from Chair of the National Defence Committee John McKay, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Ali Ehsassi, and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Kelsey, there was a mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) demonstration by Senator Stan Kutcher, MP Terry Sheehan, and Ms. Melissa Kamibayashi-Staples, the president of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA). Marcia George, the grand-niece of Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, who was killed in action near Onagawa Bay at the end of World War II and currently resides in Ottawa, offered a toast.
At the venue, Chef Shima from the Ambassador’s residence prepared and served sushi, with a live demonstration. Additionally, curry rice (Navy Curry) and karaage (Air Self-Defense Force fried chicken) were offered. The sake booth provided a variety of Japanese sake, and the traditional Japanese attire worn by many spouses of embassy staff showcased Japan's unique culture and added a festive touch to the reception.
Toward the end of the reception, a live music performance was given by a band composed of embassy staff, including the ambassador, with some ambassadors and military attachés from various countries also joining in, making for a grand celebration of the JSDF Anniversary.
The reception was attended by many dignitaries, including Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant, Chair of the National Defence Committee John McKay, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Ali Ehsassi, Co-Chairs of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group Senator Stan Kutcher and MP Terry Sheehan, as well as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Kelsey, Commander of the Canadian Army Lt. Gen. Wright, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Vice Adm. Topshee, and many other members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Attendees also included members of the federal government, Parliament, and judiciary, heads of diplomatic missions, military attachés, as well as representatives from academia, culture, and business, totaling approximately 350 people.
The event commenced with a trio, consisting of graduates from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, performing the Canadian national anthem, followed by a solo performance of Japan’s national anthem by a student from the University of Toronto.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi highlighted that since its establishment in 1954, the JSDF has played a crucial role both domestically and internationally, consistently contributing to the safety and peace of the Japanese people over the past 70 years. He praised the rapidly deepening defense relationship between Japan and Canada and expressed his belief that the strong bonds between the JSDF and the Canadian Armed Forces, built over the years, would serve as a foundation for addressing future challenges. He also expressed hope for further strengthening of relations between the two forces.
Following remarks from Chair of the National Defence Committee John McKay, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Ali Ehsassi, and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Kelsey, there was a mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) demonstration by Senator Stan Kutcher, MP Terry Sheehan, and Ms. Melissa Kamibayashi-Staples, the president of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA). Marcia George, the grand-niece of Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, who was killed in action near Onagawa Bay at the end of World War II and currently resides in Ottawa, offered a toast.
At the venue, Chef Shima from the Ambassador’s residence prepared and served sushi, with a live demonstration. Additionally, curry rice (Navy Curry) and karaage (Air Self-Defense Force fried chicken) were offered. The sake booth provided a variety of Japanese sake, and the traditional Japanese attire worn by many spouses of embassy staff showcased Japan's unique culture and added a festive touch to the reception.
Toward the end of the reception, a live music performance was given by a band composed of embassy staff, including the ambassador, with some ambassadors and military attachés from various countries also joining in, making for a grand celebration of the JSDF Anniversary.
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| Opening remarks by Ambassador Yamanouchi |
Minister Hussen and Mr. Sheehan with Ambassador Yamanouchi |
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| Speech by the Hon. John McKay |
Speech by Mr. Ali Ehsassi |
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| Speech by Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey |
Toast by Ms. Marcia George |
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| Mochitsuki Demonstration by the Hon. Kutcher, Mr. Sheehan and Ms. Kamibayashi-Staples |
Military Attachés |
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| Sushi Booth | Band Performance |