National Day Reception Was Held To Celebrate the 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

On Friday, February 21, Consul-General Matsunaga hosted a reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor's 65th birthday at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC). The Consul-General stated that the friendly relationship between Japan and Canada is based on shared values and goals, and expressed his gratitude to the friends of Japan and those who contribute to promoting friendship between the two countries, including the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, who gave remarks, and the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who gave remarks and proposed a toast, and other approximately 420 guests in attendance. The reception included a Japanese drum performance by Kyowa Taiko; the singing of the national anthems of both countries by Ms. Elisabeth Santos; ikebana exhibitions; video screenings introducing various attractive places across Japan, the Osaka-Kansai Expo and sake; and introductions of relevant companies and prefectural associations. High-quality Japanese food, especially Japanese seafood, and 17 kinds of sake, among others, were served. The text of Consul-General Matsunaga's remarks is here.