On October 12, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, Global Affairs Canada, and the University of Ottawa, organized a symposium on the importance of the collaboration between Japan and Canada to advance space exploration. The symposium, titled “宇宙 [UCHU: space] –Uniting Countries to Head into the Universe,” was organized in the context of the celebrations of the 90
th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada, and featured Japanese astronaut and JAXA Vice-President, Dr. Koichi Wakata, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut , Col. Jeremy Hansen.
The symposium began with greeting remarks by His Excellency, Ambassador Ishikane. The two astronauts then delivered keynote addresses in front of 125 high school and university students from the Ottawa region. Their remarks highlighted the importance of technological and scientific collaborations between Japan and Canada for the advancement of space exploration. The astronauts also discussed how important goal-making has been in their careers and encouraged students to set ambitious goals for themselves. The event ended with a Q&A session where students in attendance asked various questions to the astronauts.
The event was followed by a reception at the Ambassador’s residence in honour of the two astronauts. Greeting remarks were delivered by His Excellency, Ambassador Ishikane, Ailish Campbell, Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, and Sylvain Laporte, President of the Canadian Space Agency. Astronauts Dr. Wakata and Col. Hansen delivered a welcome toast together. A variety of Japanese dishes as well as a selection of Japanese sake were introduced at the reception for the promotion of Japanese culture.
After the reception, Dr. Wakata had a pleasant time visiting the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. He also participated in a TV interview with Contact Japan which will be aired in Canada in November.
UCHU Symposium
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His Excellency, Ambassador Ishikane, delivering the opening remarks
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The room was well attended as 125 students came to listen to the experience of the two astronauts
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| Dr. Koichi Wakata delivering his keynote address |
Col. Jeremy Hansen delivering his keynote address |
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| Round table moderated by Mr. Gilles Leclerc, Director General, Space Exploration, Canadian Space Agency |
Reception
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| Ambassador Ishikane and Madam (center) with the two guest of honours: Dr. Koichi Wakata (right) and Col. Jeremy Hansen (left) |
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Ambassador Ishikane delivering greeting remarks at the reception in honour of the two astronauts
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Dr. Ailish Campbell, Chief Trade Commissioner and ADM at Global Affairs Canada, delivering greeting remarks
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| Mr. Sylvain Laporte, President of the Canadian Space Agency, delivering opening remarks |
Col. Jeremy Hansen (left) and Dr. Koichi Wakata (right) delivering a welcome toast at the reception |
