Celebratory Reception for the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations

2018/7/25

After a ceremonial saké barrel opening, Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito and

guests raise a toast led by Mayor Frank Scarpitti of Markham.

On July 20, Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito and her husband, Mr. Claude Ito, hosted a reception at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations. In attendance were approximately 400 guests, including local politicians, business people, members of the cultural community, local Japanese nationals and Japanese Canadians, representatives of the Japanese business community, alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and of the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarships, representatives of the local consular corps and others. A powerful performance by the JCCC’s taiko club, Kyowa Taiko, opened the evening, followed by the national anthems of Japan and Canada, remarks by Consul-General Ito and special guests, a ceremonial saké barrel opening called kagamiwari and a toast. Also as part of the evening, an awards ceremony was held for the winners of the “Japan, Canada and Me” Photo Contest, organized by the Consulate-General of Japan from May 12 to July 8.

Consul-General Ito gives remarks.

Federal Member of Parliament Jasmin Ratansi, who is also a member of

the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, gave remarks and read

a celebratory message from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Ms. Ratansi presents the message from Prime Minister Trudeau to the Consul-General.

Remarks from Mississauga’s Mayor Bonnie Crombie.

Kagamiwari, ceremonial saké barrel opening by the special guests. From left: Mr. Tatsuya Toyama,

President of Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry; Ms. Hazel McCallion,

the former Mayor of Mississauga; Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie; Markham Mayor Scarpitti;

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Executive Director James Heron;

Mississauga City Councillor Patricia Saito; Ms. Ratansi.

Another barrel opened by special guests. From left: Vaughan City Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco;

Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson; Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch;

Richmond Hill Councillor Godwin Chan; St. Thomas Mayor Heather Jackson; Mr. Bryon Wilfert,

former MP and Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group; Consul-General Ito.

Opening performance by Kyowa Taiko.

Mr. Oba Powis, Grand Prize winner of the “Japan, Canada, and Me” Photo Contest (centre),

with Mr. Mark Hashimoto representing the prize sponsor Air Canada (left) and Consul-General Ito.

Ms. Maya Snyder, first place winner in the contest’s Youth category (left), with Mr. Taizaburo Egawa,

the President and CEO of prize sponsor Canon Canada (centre) and Consul-General Ito.

Ms. Saeko Tatebe, winner of the General Category’s third place as well as the TORJA Award (centre),

with TORJA Managing Director Osamu Shiohara (left) and Consul-General Ito.

Ms. Stephanie Chan, one of the winners of the Judge’s Choice Awards in the Youth category (left),

with Chef Shigeo Kimura, President of the prize sponsor Japanese Restaurant Association of Canada (centre),

and Consul-General Ito.

Information booth of JETRO and the Consulate-General of Japan.

Six brands of saké and the region were featured at the sake booth.

Japanese food provided at the reception.

Flower arrangements were provided by the local three schools of ikebana. From left: Sogetsu, Ikenobo, Ohara.