The Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Reception
2025/9/24
On September 24, 2025, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted a reception in celebration of the Japan Self-Defense Forces Day (JSDF).
The reception was attended by many dignitaries, including the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean, Former Governor General of Canada; MP Terry Sheehan, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; the Honourable Krista Ross and MP Angelo Iacono, Vice-Chairs of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; as well as Major-General Dave Yarker, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command; Major-General Denis O’Reilly, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force; Rear-Admiral Michael Hopper, Chief of Reserves of the Canadian Armed Forces; 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 450 people.
The event commenced with a purification ceremony led by an Algonquin Elder, followed by a performance of Japanese drums by Oto-Wa Taiko based in Ottawa, the Canadian national anthem performed by students of De La Salle High School, and the Japanese national anthem sung solo by a student of 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 71 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 Former Governor General of Canada the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean and Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command Dave Yarker, Vice-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group Senator the Hon. Krista Ross 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. Furthermore, there was a photo exhibition of training scenes conducted jointly by Japan and Canada, and a Japan Self-Defense Forces promotional video was shown, also promoting public relations and cultural dissemination in Japan-Canada defense relations.
Toward the end of the reception, a live music performance was given by a band composed of embassy staff, including the Ambassador Yamanouchi, and ambassadors from other countries and organization performed, 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 the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean, Former Governor General of Canada; MP Terry Sheehan, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; the Honourable Krista Ross and MP Angelo Iacono, Vice-Chairs of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; as well as Major-General Dave Yarker, Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command; Major-General Denis O’Reilly, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force; Rear-Admiral Michael Hopper, Chief of Reserves of the Canadian Armed Forces; 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 450 people.
The event commenced with a purification ceremony led by an Algonquin Elder, followed by a performance of Japanese drums by Oto-Wa Taiko based in Ottawa, the Canadian national anthem performed by students of De La Salle High School, and the Japanese national anthem sung solo by a student of 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 71 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 Former Governor General of Canada the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean and Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command Dave Yarker, Vice-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group Senator the Hon. Krista Ross 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. Furthermore, there was a photo exhibition of training scenes conducted jointly by Japan and Canada, and a Japan Self-Defense Forces promotional video was shown, also promoting public relations and cultural dissemination in Japan-Canada defense relations.
Toward the end of the reception, a live music performance was given by a band composed of embassy staff, including the Ambassador Yamanouchi, and ambassadors from other countries and organization performed, 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 |
Speech by the Rt. Hon. Michaëlle Jean |
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| Speech by Mr. Dave Yarker |
Toast by the Hon. Krista Ross |
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| Drum performance by Oto-Wa Taiko |
Sushi Booth |
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| Band Performance |
Photo exhibition |
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| The event venue | |