Illustrator and Hamilton's Cultural Centre President Receive Consul General of Japan’s Commendations
Consul General of Japan Eiji Yamamoto invited renowned Toronto artist and illustrator Warabe Aska and Hamilton Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre President Mitchell Kawasaki to his Official Residence on Dec. 2, and presented them with the Consul General’s Commendations.
Mr. Warabe Aska (left photo) and Mr. Mitchell Kawasaki (right photo)
pose with their commendations and Consul General Eiji Yamamoto.
Mr. Aska is an internationally acclaimed illustrator, and has devoted a great deal of energy toward strengthening Japan-Canada relations. Mr. Kawasaki is one of the founding members of the HCJCC, established in 1976, and has contributed greatly toward the Japanese Canadian community in Hamilton. These commendations were the recognition of such accomplishments.
Consul General Yamamoto and his wife, Mrs. Yoshiko Yamamoto (third from right),
pose with Mr. Aska and his family and friends.
Mr. Aska is originally from Kagawa Prefecture in Japan, but moved to Canada in 1979. In 1984, his first book, Who Goes to the Park?, was given the Toronto Book Award. His work has been praised worldwide and has received numerous awards.
In 1997, he was commissioned to illustrate Lulie the Iceberg, a story written by Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado. In order to research the subject, Mr. Aska travelled the Arctic for three weeks. The environmentally themed book has been published the world over.
He has published several books in North America. At present, he is also serving as “KAGAWA Ambassador” promoting his home prefecture to people overseas and deepening ties between Japan and Canada.
Consul General and Mrs. Yamamoto pose with Mr. Kawasaki and his family and friends.
Mr. Kawasaki is a third generation Japanese Canadian. As founding member and current President of the HCJCC, he is active in organizing events for the Japanese Canadian community in Hamilton. He was also key in raising $260,000 through the HCJCC, which was donated to the Red Cross for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
Mr. Kawasaki is also a respected judoist and wrestler who started judo at his father’s dojo at age five. He has competed both in and outside Canada, and even placed sixth in wrestling at the Montreal Olympics. He continues to teach judo today, deepening the friendship between Japan and Canada through sports.
Over 60 guests were in attendance to congratulate the two recipients of the commendation.
