Actor George Takei with Ambassador Kaoru Ishikawa and Mrs. Masako Ishikawa
Ambassador and Consul-General with Their Wives Attend the Sakura Ball
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s annual Sakura Ball was held on April 21, with Ambassador of Japan Kaoru Ishikawa and Consul-General Eiji Yamamoto in attendance along with their wives. The Sakura Ball, which is in its fourth year, is a fundraising event as well as the venue at which the Sakura Award is presented to recognize exceptional contributions made by individuals to the promotion and exchange of Japanese culture. and enhancing awareness of ethnic Japanese heritage within Canada and abroad.
In his greetings, Ambassador Ishikawa commended this year's award recipient, actor George Takei, for raising awareness of Japanese communities in North America through his appearances on the celebrated Star Trek series, and for his work toward promoting human rights and other social contributions. He also praised the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre for holding the Sakura Ball and other events to preserve and pass on the richness of Japanese heritage and its awareness.
Also in attendance among 400 guests were The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Federal Economic Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), and The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
Mr. Takei holds up his award.
