2010 National Day Reception Celebrates the Birthday
of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
On Dec. 10 (Fri.), in the Kobayashi Hall of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC), the Consul-General of Japan Tetsuo Yamashita, along with his wife Mrs. Masako Yamashita, hosted the National Day Reception for 2010, celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Approximately 300 guests made their way through the snow to attend. In his greeings, Consul-General Yamashita recognized Mr. Yoichi Saegusa, a former President of the New Japanese Canadian Association who was decorated recently with The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, as well as Ikenobo ikebana master Ms. Shizuko Kadoguchi, who earlier this year was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. "Congratulations again, Saegusa-san and Kadoguchi Sensei!" said Mr. Yamashita enthusiastically.
Consul-General Tetsuo Yamashita and his wife Mrs. Masako Yamashita greet their guests.
Consul-General Yamashita in his speech recognized
Mr. Yoichi Saegusa (far left), who has been decorated with The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays,
and Ms. Shizuko Kadoguchi (second from left), who has been awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.
Representing the attending guests, greetings were extended by The Honourable Bryon Wilfert, Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Association, as well as Mr. Gary Kawaguchi, the President of the JCCC, who also raised a toast to the health of Their Majesties. Both recalled the historical visit of Their Majesties to Canada last year, as well as the preceding 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Canada. They also expressed their best wishes for His Majesty's 77th birthday.
The Honourable Bryon Wilfert
JCCC President Gary Kawaguchi shares a toast with Mr. Wilfert and Consul-General Yamashita.
Meanwhile, in the JCCC's Shokokai Court, booths were set up showcasing the goods and services of 10 representatives of Japanese businesses and government agencies in Toronto.
Shokokai Court
The Plug-in Prius on exhibit.
Attending guests also enjoyed works of ikebana by the Ikenobo, Ohara and Sogetsu schools on exhibit in the Kobayashi Hall as well as the registration desks.
The works of Ikebana on display.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese food catered by Mye, a restarant in Oakville, along with dessert creations by Chef Mina Makimine of the Consul-General's official residence. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended for joining us in celebrating continued good health of His Majesty.
The Japanese food table at the reception.
Guests enjoy the reception.
＜Andy McCraw's photos＞
http://andymccrawphotography.com/what-we-do/ikenobo/＜Mye Restaurant＞
http://myerestaurant.ca/Bits Magazine
http://www.bitslounge.com/news/japan/20101217_09.htmle-nikka
http://www.e-nikka.ca/Contents/localnews.php?id=20101216044651
