Message from Consul-General Matsunaga

Greetings to all those residing in Ontario! 

 

I arrived here during what would normally be a bitterly cold time of year. Fortunately, however, I was able to begin my activities here with the help of a mild winter. About two and a half months have passed since my arrival, during which time I hosted a reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday among other events, and proceeded with meetings with local stakeholders, as well as I was invited to various gatherings. This is my first posting in Canada, and I am learning each day, including the basics. Courtesy calls on various individuals, including those in the Government of Ontario, are ongoing. 

 

Since I assumed my post, I have been encouraged by the people of Ontario for their warmth and kindness extended to me. I have already been given many opportunities to greet local Japanese and Japanese Canadians and listen to them about their experiences and activities. While I presume there are challenges due to the extended levels of ethnic and cultural diversities in this province, I have sensed at the same time that people are making efforts to have harmony maintained in the midst of the diversity. I would like to meet with and talk to even more people in person in the future.

 

Currently, the warm friendship Japan and Canada enjoy is growing even closer. This is against the background of the two countries sharing fundamental values and policy directions. Therefore, I feel strongly that both countries share a positive outlook, clearly recognizing the significance of bilateral cooperation and its further potentials. I would like to strive to further strengthen Japan’s relationship with Ontario, the province that occupies important positions in so many facets of Canada.

 

It goes without saying that the friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Canada have been fostered by the human connections and goodwill that have been built in a truly wide range of fields including but not limited to: economic world, academia, social works, visual and performing arts, food culture, sports, entertainment, and pop culture. I would like to do my part in supporting these works as much as I can. At the same time, I would appreciate your continued support of the activities of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto. 

 

Matsunaga Takeshi

Consul-General of Japan in Toronto