Bonsai Expo 2024 and Conferment of the Ambassador’s Award upon the Ottawa Bonsai Society
2024/9/15
On September 14 and 15, the Embassy hosted the Ottawa Bonsai Society (OBS)’s annual exhibition “Bonsai Expo 2024” at the Information and Culture Centre. OBS was established in 1984 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It was the 19th bonsai exhibition hosted by the Embassy of Japan. At the opening ceremony on September 14, Ambassador YAMANOUCHI Kanji conferred the Ambassador’s Award upon Ottawa Bonsai Society for their contribution to promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Canada.
In his congratulatory speech, Ambassador Yamanouchi praised OBS’s long-standing role in bringing people from two counties who love nature together through bonsai, the prime example of Japanese culture.
In response, Mr. Vianney Leduc, President of OBS, delivered his acceptance speech and expressed his gratitude for the Embassy’s efforts to help develop the Society and thanked the founding members and current members. From OBS, Mr. Barney Shum, one of the founding members, also gave a speech and talked about OBS’ 40-years of growth, starting from just six members, with deep feeling.
A congratulatory address was given by Mr. Greg McLean, M.P., member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group and the Honorable Mona Fortier, M.P., member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group led a toast.
As one of the most popular events held at the Embassy, more than 900 people visited over two days. On both days, demonstrations were held and many visitors attended. It captured lots of attention, and some brought back saplings to start their own bonsai at home.
In his congratulatory speech, Ambassador Yamanouchi praised OBS’s long-standing role in bringing people from two counties who love nature together through bonsai, the prime example of Japanese culture.
In response, Mr. Vianney Leduc, President of OBS, delivered his acceptance speech and expressed his gratitude for the Embassy’s efforts to help develop the Society and thanked the founding members and current members. From OBS, Mr. Barney Shum, one of the founding members, also gave a speech and talked about OBS’ 40-years of growth, starting from just six members, with deep feeling.
A congratulatory address was given by Mr. Greg McLean, M.P., member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group and the Honorable Mona Fortier, M.P., member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group led a toast.
As one of the most popular events held at the Embassy, more than 900 people visited over two days. On both days, demonstrations were held and many visitors attended. It captured lots of attention, and some brought back saplings to start their own bonsai at home.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi giving the congratulatory address |
Mr. Leduc and Ambassador Yamanouchi |
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| Mr. Leduc delivering an acceptance speech |
Mr. Shum delivering his speech |
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| Mr. McLean delivering a congratulatory address |
The Honourable Mona Fortier giving a toast |
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| (from left) Ambassador Yamanouchi, Mr. Shum, Mr. Leduc |
Ambassador’s Award Certificate |
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| Exhibition |
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| Exhibited works (selected) |
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| Demonstration on September 14 | Demonstration on September 15 |