National Day 2013 Celebrates 80th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
The Consulate General of Japan hosted its annual National Day reception celebrating the 80th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on November 22 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC).
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Mr. Eiji Yamamoto, the Consul General of Japan in Toronto welcomes guests. |
Mr. John Carmichael, |
About 450 guests attended the celebration, including several high-level officials from the federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as many prominent business, cultural and community leaders.
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The Honourable David Zimmer, |
Mr. Gary Kawaguchi, President of |
Inside Kobayashi Hall, guests were treated to an array of Japanese cultural experiences such as a performance by the acclaimed musical group Chikugen-bayashi, as well as traditional pieces on the shakuhachi (Japanese oboe) by Dr. Gerard Yun, a ceremonial opening of a sake barrel (kagamiwari) and beautiful flower arrangements by masters of ikebana who live in the Toronto area.
Chikugen-bayashi
Renowned soprano Ms. Takako Yanagida-Lordly
sings the national anthems of Japan and Canada.
Ceremonial opening of sake barrel
Dr. Gerard Yun plays shakuhachi beside an ikebana flower arrangement.