Embarking on a Trip to Reaffirm One's Heritage
A farewell reception was held at Consul-General Tetsuo Yamashita’s official residence on Jan. 26 for participants of this year’s Invitational Programs for Japanese Canadians. This program invites Canadians of Japanese descent to Japan to experience Japanese culture first-hand, as well as to meet with distinguished persons from a wide variety of fields. These activities are intended to reaffirm the participants’ Japanese heritage, and to promote greater understanding of Japan in Canada.
Every year, a total of five participants are selected – one each from the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa and the four Counslates-General across the country. Following the participation of Mr. Jeffrey Naganobu and Ms. Lauren Nagata from two years ago and last year, respectively, Ms. Sharon Marubashi was invited this year to take part.
Ms. Marubashi is a third-generation Japanese Canadian from Toronto, and has been active as a volunteer for the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) since her teens. She has devoted much of her time on clerical duties as well as on steering committees for the JCCC’s various regular events.
Representatives of the Japanese Canadian community, the media, various government agencies as well as the Alumni Association for the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme were in attendance at the farewell reception. Consul-General Yamashita in his remarks explained in his remarks the history, the structure and objectives of the program, as well as the profiles of past participants, including their activities after having participated in this program. He also expressed his positive expectations for Ms. Marubashi’s own activities after returning to Canada.
In response, Ms. Marubashi thanked the Government of Japan for this opportunity, and expressed her excitement at going to Japan for the first time. As well, Ms. Nagata gave remarks on the significance of the program, as well as her wishes for an enjoyable and fruitful trip for Ms. Marubashi.
Ms. Marubashi and the other participants are scheduled to receive orientation in Vancouver from Feb. 4, and to be in Japan starting Feb. 6. They are scheduled to return to Canada on Feb. 13.
In Tokyo, they will have an audience with Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and a meeting with Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuo Yamahana. They will tour such sites as the Imperial Palace, the Asakusa district and the new Skytree Tower, as well as take in a performance of Kabuki theatre. They are also scheduled to tour Hikone, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
UPDATE: Ms. Marubashi has compiled a report on her experiences in Japan.
Ms. Sharon Marubashi (left) greets last year's program participant,
Ms. Lauren Nagata.
Consul-General Tetsuo Yamashita gives his remarks.
Ms. Marubashi and other guests relax around the table.
Surprise! Chef Mina Makimine's birthday cake
for guest Gayle Kawaguchi.
Japanese cuisine with a New Year's theme.
