The Opening Reception for the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations
2018/3/27
On March 21, 2018, the Embassy of Japan and Global Affairs Canada cohosted an opening reception to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations. Distinguished guests including the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mr. Leonard J. Edwards, recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star and former Canadian Ambassador to Japan, Senators Jim Munson and Victor Oh, Co-Chair and Vice-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group respectively, attended the event. Officials from the Canadian federal government, academics, and representatives from local Japan-related groups and business associations were also among the audience.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ishikane highlighted several significant moments in Japan-Canada 90 years’ bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of Japan and Canada’s shared fundamental values in establishing forward-looking relationship and preserving the rules-based international order. He also underlined the value of people-to-people exchanges in helping us understand our differences, while cherishing our commonalities.
Minister Freeland mentioned that Japan and Canada have established deep economic, political and cultural ties, and the two countries continue to work on various issues at different multilateral forums. The Minister also highlighted upcoming events such as the G7 Summit in Charlevoix for providing further opportunities for Japan-Canada cooperation.
These remarks were followed by Kagami-biraki, a ceremony involving opening a sake barrel to signify the start of a new departure in life or business. The drummers from Oto-Wa Taiko came back to the stage to energize the reception.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ishikane highlighted several significant moments in Japan-Canada 90 years’ bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of Japan and Canada’s shared fundamental values in establishing forward-looking relationship and preserving the rules-based international order. He also underlined the value of people-to-people exchanges in helping us understand our differences, while cherishing our commonalities.
Minister Freeland mentioned that Japan and Canada have established deep economic, political and cultural ties, and the two countries continue to work on various issues at different multilateral forums. The Minister also highlighted upcoming events such as the G7 Summit in Charlevoix for providing further opportunities for Japan-Canada cooperation.
These remarks were followed by Kagami-biraki, a ceremony involving opening a sake barrel to signify the start of a new departure in life or business. The drummers from Oto-Wa Taiko came back to the stage to energize the reception.
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| ©Sam Garcia | ©Sam Garcia |
| Ambassador Ishikane delivering his opening remarks | The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs delivering opening remarks |
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| ©Sam Garcia |
| Kagami Biraki (Sake Barrel Opening) Ceremony |
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| ©Sam Garcia |
| From left: Former Ambassador to Japan Mr. Leonard J. Edwards, Ambassador of Japan Ishikane, Minister Freeland, Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group Senator Jim Munson, Vice-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group Senator Victor Oh |
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| ©Sam Garcia | |
| Japanese Taiko Drum Performance by Oto-Wa Taiko | |
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| ©Sam Garcia |
| Minister Freeland and Ambassador and Mrs. Ishikane |
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| During the Opening Ceremony | Guests enjoying the reception |