Consul General Yamamoto Visits Thunder Bay and Kenora
On May 21 and 22, Consul General of Japan Eiji Yamamoto was in Thunder Bay as part of his continuing series of visits to regional areas under his jurisdiction. While in the northern Ontario city, he met with Mayor Keith Hobbs, representatives of Lakehead University and members of the local Japanese community. He also gave a presentation to an enthusiastic class of intermediate school students.
Consul General Yamamoto with Mayor Hobbs
Thunder Bay lies approximately 1400 km northwest of Toronto on the shore of Lake Superior. It is twinned with the city of Gifu in Japan. Mayor Hobbs explained the development of Thunder Bay’s economy which is centred on being the northern hub of Ontario, on it being an important shipping port, as well as on public utilities and education. Lakehead University is situated in Thunder Bay, and the city is also invaluable for the mining industry. Consul General Yamamoto expressed his hope that, with Japanese industry further developing its mining sector, there would be increased exchange between Japan and Thunder Bay.
Representatives of Lakehead University and the City of Thunder Bay,
as well as Japanese student Kanoko Tsuchiura, pose with the Consul General
Lakehead University gathers students from across Ontario and Canada. Representatives of the University explained how it was putting a great deal effort toward international exchange, inviting students from such schools as Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University for months-long language programs. Consul General Yamamoto expressed his appreciation to Lakehead University for welcoming such students to Canada, and his hope for further exchange between Lakehead and Japanese universities.
The Consul General with representatives of the local Japanese and
Japanese Canadian communities and
members of the Sister Cities Advisory Committee
In discussion with representatives of the local Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities and members of the Sister Cities Advisory Committee, Consul General Yamamoto was able to receive comments and insights from those involved in Japanese language education and other cultural activities in support of the exchange with Gifu. He said he was impressed by how the grass-roots exchange between Japan and Thunder Bay was so active, and thanked those who were contributing towards this relationship.
Consul General Yamamoto gives a presentation to Grade 7 students.
The Consul General also gave a presentation on Japanese geography and history to Grade 7 students at the Ecole Gron Morgan, a French Immersion school.
On May 23, the Consul General visited Kenora, which lies 500 km further west of Thunder Bay. Kenora is situated close to where Ontario meets with Manitoba and the state of Minnesota, and is a sister city of Shimokawa in Hokkaido, Japan.
The Consul General with Mayor Canfield and others
working on Kenora-Shimokawa relations
Mayor Dave Canfield explained about the Kenora’s exchange with Shimokawa, and about Kenora's economy which is centered on forestry, mining and lumber. Consul General Yamamoto expressed his hope that Kenora’s relationship with Shimokawa will deepen in the future.
The Consulate General of Japan will continue to work with regional areas of Ontario to support Japan-Canada relations.