Consul-General Tetsuo Yamashita and
New Japanese Canadian Association Chair Yoshihisa Nagaishi
New Japanese Canadian Association Awarded Commendation
from Japan's Foreign Minister
In the evening of August 6, present and past chairs and executives of the New Japanese Canadian Association (NJCA) gathered at the Consul-General of Japan’s official residence, where the current Chair, Mr. Yoshihisa Nagaishi, represented the association in receiving a commendation conveyed from Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone. The commendation was presented by Consul-General Tetsuo Yamashita.
The certificate of commendation
This commendation is presented to individuals and organizations whose services have contributed toward the betterment of relations between Japan and other countries. Since its inception in 1976 the NJCA has worked to provide an environment in which new immigrants from Japan can settle comfortably in a foreign country. Also present at the official residence were representatives of other local Japan-related organizations.
A toast is raised
The Consul-General along with representatives of such organizations as the Nikka Gakuen, Nisshu Gakuen, Ikebata Nursery, Ukifune no Kai and the Association of Japanese Culture extended congratulations to the NJCA. Those in attendance were also able to reflect on how the association’s activities from the past 32 years have now been recognized by the Japan’s Foreign Minister, as well as on the 80th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations, the recent visit to Canada by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the ongoing friendly exchange between Japanese and Japanese Canadians.
Group photo
Other organizations awarded the Foreign Minister’s commendations in the past are:
The Association for Japanese Culture (awarded in 1989) for promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Canada through presentations of Japanese culture.
Japanese Social Service (awarded in 2001) for its activities as a support organization for Japanese and Japanese Canadians.
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (awarded in 2003) for its activities as the focal point of the Japanese Canadian community and for deepening mutual understanding and exchange between Japan and Canada.
The Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry (awarded in 2007) for its activities developing the local Japanese and Japanese Canadian community and for promoting Japanese culture in Canada.