Guests observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Receptions Mark One-Year Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Consul-General of Japan, Mr. Eiji Yamamoto, held receptions on March 7, 14 and 21 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, both in remembrance of the victims and their suffering and to celebrate the resilience of the Japanese people and the country’s recovery.
Consul-General Eiji Yamamot extends greetings
The earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in over 19,000 people dead or missing. Consul-General Yamamoto at the reception mourned the perished lives and expressed sympathies for families who lost loved ones. At the same time, he said, the Japanese are devoting their utmost efforts toward recovery, as illustrated by the photo panels depicting the reopening of Sendai Airport. In most regions of Japan, everyday lives and economic activity were regaining normality. He also stated Japan’s recovery would not have been possible without the warm support extended by the international community. Reaffirming the importance of kizuna, or solidarity, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation. He thanked his guests for the flood of contributions from local Canadians and Japanese, which included the $29 million the Japanese Red Cross received from the Canadian Red Cross.
He also said that to reciprocate for the international support, Japan will share with the world the lessons from the disaster, including those relating to the accident at the Fukushima Dai-chi Nuclear Power Plant. He also said Japan will also work on resolving various global issues in cooperation with the world community.
Finally, he expressed hope that many Canadians will visit Japan in support of tourism and business exchange.
Various distinguished guests offered remarks at each of the three receptions.
Ms. Mary Shenstone, Ontario’s Assistant Deputy Minister, International Relations,
and Chief of Protocol at Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs
On March 7, Ms. Mary Shenstone, Ontario’s Assistant Deputy Minister, International Relations, and Chief of Protocol at Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, recalled that March 11 of last year was the day Ambassador Kaoru Ishikawa of Japan paid a courtesy call on Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty when the Premier was in Ottawa. She expressed admiration for the calm actions of the Japanese people even on the face of such immense disaster. She said Canadians naturally would extend assistance to the Japanese under such circumstances.
President of the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry (Shokokai), Mr. Kazuto Takegami
Also on March 7, President of the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry (Shokokai), Mr. Kazuto Takegami, also expressed his sympathies for the victims of the disaster. He recounted how the Shokokai had raised $50,000 for relief efforts. He said industries which suffered losses due to the earthquake are steadily resuming production.
The Hounourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
On March 14, The Hounourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, explained that the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) is located in her riding. Immediately after the disaster struck, she discussed what could be done with JCCC President, Mr. Gary Kawaguchi. As a result, the JCCC undertook the Origami Crane Project working with schools in the Greater Toronto Area. Minister Wynne described how she was moved by the resilience and dignity of the Japanese people. She noted how the Japanese pop music group MONKEY MAJIK gave a concert at the JCCC to convey a message from Japan as Ambassadors of Resilience. She said Canada will continue to support Japan.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre President, Mr. Gary Kawaguchi
Mr. Kawaguchi the same evening said that while Japan is recovering physically, there are undoubtedly deep psychological scars left on the hearts of the victims. For this reason, he explained, ways are being considered to use the monies collected for the JCCC Foundation - Japan Earthquake Relief Fund to benefit children and youth in the affected areas.
The Honourable Dave Levac, the Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly
On March 21, The Honourable Dave Levac, the Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, also expressed sympathies for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and praised their courage and resilience as they undertook recovery efforts. He recalled how on April 7, 2011, Ambassador Ishikawa addressed the Ontario legislature, the first foreign dignitary to do so in 25 years. The Speaker noted that recovery was progressing calmly and expediently, just as the Ambassador pledged. The Speaker commended the Japanese for this.
Member of Provincial Parliament, Ms. Soo Wong
The same evening, Ms. Soo Wong, a Member of Provincial Parliament, delivered a message from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. The Premier conveyed his respect and sympathy to the victims of the earthquake, and pledged continued support from himself and all Ontarians. He also extended congratulations for the progress being made in the recovery.
Poster from Iwate Prefecture
Information materials on the recovery were made available for guests at the official residence, as well as the activity report from the Japanese Red Cross. Guests also viewed a video entitled Thank You Japan, expressing the appreciation felt by the people of Japan for the support received from the international community. Posters promoting tourism in the three prefectures affected by the disaster were displayed on the walls, and Japanese wine as well as sake produced from the northeast region was served. Canadian guests also received crafts produced in the area.
