Greetings from Consul-General Yasunori Nakayama
September 19, 2014
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our website.
My name is Yasunori Nakayama and I assumed my post as Consul-General of Japan in Toronto on Sept. 8. Because it has only been just over a week since my arrival, I have not been able to meet very many people in person face-to-face. I would like therefore to take this opportunity to introduce myself.
Upon my arrival I was warmly greeted at the airport by representatives of the Japanese Canadian community. As well, that evening when I attended an event related to the Toronto International Film Festival, I received kind words of welcome by the Japanese and Canadian guests in attendance. While this is my first posting in Canada, I have always been told of the kindness and openness exhibited by Canadians. I am extremely moved to have now experienced this aspect of Canada first-hand, and am honoured and pleased to be able to work in this country’s largest city.
Please allow me to provide a bit of background on myself: I joined Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs 32 years ago. Since then, I have experienced postings in the UK, Germany, Indonesia, Belgium, the Philippines and Switzerland. Just prior to coming to Toronto, I was with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry engaging in trade negotiations and assisting Japanese companies in their overseas activities.
I believe the most important pillars among the work of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto are: to support local Japanese nationals as well as Japanese businesses; and to strengthen our partnerships with the Japanese and Japanese Canadian community. Also, in order to further strengthen the warm friendship that now exists between Japan and Canada – with particular focus on Ontario – I wish to widely introduce Japan’s traditional and popular culture, promote Japanese language education and study abroad programs, as well as lend my strength to support personnel exchanges and sister-city relations.
I intend to devote my very best toward fulfilling my mission, and I hope you will lend me your support and encouragement.
Yasunori Nakayama
Consul-General of Japan
