Left: Consul-General Hisao Yamaguchi and Mrs. Chieko Yamaguchi welcome former Canadian Ambassador to Japan Barry Steers and Mrs. Martha Steers. Right: Mr. and Mrs. Yamaguchi with Ontario Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Marie Bountrogianni (centre right) and guest. National Day Celebrated at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
The Kobayashi Hall of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre was abuzz on Dec. 5 when over 300 guests gathered to celebrate Japan's National Day at a reception hosted by Consul-General HisaoYamaguchi. Among those in attendance were Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter, Minister of Energy Donna Cansfield, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Marie Bountrogianni and Mayor of Kingston Harvey Rosen.
The event was an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito, who would turn 72 on Dec. 23. "Those of us who work overseas celebrate his birthday early every year, because we find people are somewhat distracted later in the Holiday Season," explained Mr. Yamaguchi in his speech during the evening.
Mr. Yamaguchi went on to reflect upon the past year and its significance to both Canada and Japan. He praised Canada's federal budget surplus, multiculturalism and the high quality of Ontario's workforce, while at the same time reflecting on Japan's position in the world as the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War passed. "Through the bitter experiences of collective failures, the nation has learned such attitudes as valuing balanced views on issues, keeping emotions in check, placing priority on rationality, practicing patience, overcoming nationalism and rejecting fanaticism," he said. He also said that Japan is finally emerging from its prolonged economic difficulties, and the country has emerged stronger both economically and politically. "In this sense, this is a very exciting time for Japan."
Consul-General Yamaguchi (left) and Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter (right) speak to the guests.
The Consul-General also commented on Canada-Japan relations. "Since Prime Minister Paul Martin's visit to Japan last January, attention has been focused on the work under way between our governments to develop an innovative economic framework comprising cooperation in 15 priority areas, and the launching of a joint study on further promotion of trade and investment and other economic cooperative interfaces," he said, adding, "Equally important is the 2005 Canada-Japan Agenda for Peace and Security Cooperation, also agreed upon when Prime Minister Martin visited Japan. This agenda is of great importance in bringing our cooperative relations to a new stage beyond the traditional economic sphere."
Mr. Yamaguchi also reminded his guests of the upcoming opening of the Prince Takamado Gallery of Japan at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). "To celebrate Japan-Canada cultural relations, as well as the completion of this historic project, I am extremely pleased to share with you that a Committee has been established to realize a full production of a Noh theatre performance in November of next year at both the ROM in Toronto and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. With such auspicious expectations in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone here happy holidays and a happy New Year." he said.