Promoting Japanese Culture and Tourism at the Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show

On March 30th and 31st, the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with Japanese travel agencies and Japanese airlines, participated in the Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show at the Shaw Centre in order to promote Japan as a tourism destination and to introduce Japanese culture. At their booth, the Embassy provided travel information introducing the various regions and cities of Japan, screened a Japanese tourism video, presenting a good opportunity for the public to learn and experience Japanese culture. Also the Japanese companies, along with the Embassy offered many travel options and services in Japan.  

The Embassy also held a seminar titled “Discover Japan – Beauty of Japanese Gardens and Bonsai” at the venue. The Embassy staff started off by noting that the number of Canadians who visited Japan exceeded 300,000 in 2017 and referenced a new direct route between Montreal and Tokyo that has been operating since last June. Mr. Alan Elder, Manager of the Canadian Museum of History, delivered opening remarks. He spoke about the charm of Japan by mentioning about the relations between Japan and Canada through the Museum’s various past activities. The Museum has a Japanese garden which was created in 1995 to commemorate the official visit by Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado to Canada. Embassy staff then gave a presentation to the audience about Japanese gardens, followed by an explanation on the beauty of gardens in Japan and a bonsai workshop performed by Mr. Vianney Leduc, President of the Ottawa Bonsai Society. The seminar was lively and highly informative. The seminar’s popularity points to the high level of interest that Canadians have in Japanese culture and in Japan as a travel destination.

                At the Japan booth, a seminar on Japanese tea was presented. Visitors also participated in Japanese arts and games such as origami, calligraphy and kendama (Japanese bilboquet), taking advantage of a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture.

Japan booth	Embassy’s booth at Japan booth	Japanese company’s booth
Japanese company’s booth	Visitors experiencing calligraphy	Visitors experiencing calligraphy
Japanese tea seminar	Visitors trying out origami	Visitors experiencing origami
Mr. Alan Elder, Manager of the Canadian Museum of History delivered opening remarks	Presentation on tourism through the introduction on Japanese gardens and bonsai	Bonsai workshop by Mr. Vianney Leduc, President of the Ottawa Bonsai Society