A Grand Celebration at Japan Festival CANADA 2017
2017/8/31
A performance by Maynard (left) and Blaise Plant of MONKEY MAJIK.
On August 25 and 27, Japan Festival CANADA 2017, the largest Japanese festival in Canada, was held in Mississauga’s Celebration Square. Mississauga held its first Japanese festival last year in celebration of the 35th anniversary of its sister-city relationship with Kariya, Japan. Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama attended the opening ceremony, of which the theme was “Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary Together”, with: Japanese Ambassador to Canada Kenjiro Monji; The Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s Minister of Science; and Mr. Bob Delaney, Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament.
After the opening ceremony, the Consulate-General of Japan presented a performance by Maynard and Blaise Plant, who front the acclaimed Japanese rock band MONKEY MAJIK. The Consulate-General also had staff present at a booth both days of the festival, distributing information on such aspects of Japan as tourism and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme.
Celebration Square was filled with booths of Japanese businesses operating in Mississauga, as well as those of food vendors and those which allowed attendants to experience Japanese festival attractions. According to official figures, 70,000 people were in attendance over two days.
After the opening ceremony, the Consulate-General of Japan presented a performance by Maynard and Blaise Plant, who front the acclaimed Japanese rock band MONKEY MAJIK. The Consulate-General also had staff present at a booth both days of the festival, distributing information on such aspects of Japan as tourism and the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme.
Celebration Square was filled with booths of Japanese businesses operating in Mississauga, as well as those of food vendors and those which allowed attendants to experience Japanese festival attractions. According to official figures, 70,000 people were in attendance over two days.
Kagami Wari (ceremonial opening of a sake barrel to bring good luck) with, from left: Canadian Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan;
Ambassador of Japan to Canada Kenjiro Monji; Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament Bob Delaney;
Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama; NTN Corporation Executive Senior Advisor Mr. Yasunobu Suzuki;
City of Mississauga Councillors Mr. Ron Starr and Mr. John Kovac; Mr. Terry Wakasa, Chairman of Japan Festival Canada 2017.
 Greetings from Minister Duncan. |
 Ambassdor Monji gives remarks. |
 Mr. Delaney gives remarks. |
 Ambassador Monji and Consul-General Nakayama receive messages from the Governments of Canada and of Ontario. |
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 Consul-General Nakayama gives greetings then introduces MONKEY MAJIK |
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Celebration Square during Japan Festival CANADA.