Farewell Message from Consul-General Matsunaga
2026/10/30
To all in Ontario,
I have been instructed to return to Japan, and therefore am concluding my position as Consul General of Japan in Toronto.
Since my arrival in late January 2024, I have been truly privileged to meet so many wonderful people who serve as bridges between Japan and Canada. Japan and Ontario, in particular, enjoy an excellent relationship. Thanks to your goodwill and dedicated efforts, I believe that during my tenure, this partnership has continued to flourish across all sectors—including the economy, culture, academia, and people-to-people exchanges.
It would be my greatest joy if my work here has, in some small way, contributed to your own endeavours. If, at any point, my shortcomings have caused you any inconvenience or trouble, I offer my sincere apologies and ask for your kind understanding. I am deeply grateful for the support you have extended to me over the past two years and nine months.
In 2028, Japan and Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. I hope that this milestone will serve as an opportunity to further advance the strong, friendly ties between Japan and Ontario, and I kindly ask for your continued support and cooperation for the Consulate General.
My successor, Consul General Tsujisaka Takako, is scheduled to arrive in November. I would be most grateful if you could extend the same goodwill to her that you have kindly shown me. While it is sad to bid farewell to Ontario, the experiences I have gained here will remain cherished memories. I wish you all the very best for your future.
Thank you.
Matsunaga Takeshi
I have been instructed to return to Japan, and therefore am concluding my position as Consul General of Japan in Toronto.
Since my arrival in late January 2024, I have been truly privileged to meet so many wonderful people who serve as bridges between Japan and Canada. Japan and Ontario, in particular, enjoy an excellent relationship. Thanks to your goodwill and dedicated efforts, I believe that during my tenure, this partnership has continued to flourish across all sectors—including the economy, culture, academia, and people-to-people exchanges.
It would be my greatest joy if my work here has, in some small way, contributed to your own endeavours. If, at any point, my shortcomings have caused you any inconvenience or trouble, I offer my sincere apologies and ask for your kind understanding. I am deeply grateful for the support you have extended to me over the past two years and nine months.
In 2028, Japan and Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. I hope that this milestone will serve as an opportunity to further advance the strong, friendly ties between Japan and Ontario, and I kindly ask for your continued support and cooperation for the Consulate General.
My successor, Consul General Tsujisaka Takako, is scheduled to arrive in November. I would be most grateful if you could extend the same goodwill to her that you have kindly shown me. While it is sad to bid farewell to Ontario, the experiences I have gained here will remain cherished memories. I wish you all the very best for your future.
Thank you.
Matsunaga Takeshi