Reception Welcoming Visit by Tokyo Metropolitan Hachioji Higashi Senior High School

On March 25, a reception in honour of the visit of Japanese students and staff from Tokyo Metropolitan Hachioji Higashi Senior High School was held at the residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Toronto. The representatives from educational institutions in Toronto such as C W Jefferys Collegiate Institute, University of Toronto Schools, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy, with whom the Hachioji Higashi students had an educational exchange, were in attendance. 

During the reception, Consul-General Matsunaga Takeshi expressed his delight for this fruitful exchange and encouraged the students to broaden their understanding of each other’s cultures. Two Japanese students expressed their aspiration and appreciation for the opportunity. Mr. Clayton La Touche (Director of Education, Toronto District School Board) and Councillor Anthony Perruzza (Ward 7, Humber-River Black Creek, City of Toronto) gave remarks encouraging further collaboration between youth in Ontario and Japan. Mr. Billy Pang (MPP Markham-Unionville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education) led a toast. The participants engaged in a lively exchange of views on how to promote future exchanges.

Click here for the summary of Consul-General Matsunaga's speech.