Japan Festival CANADA 2018: An Official Commemorative Event of the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Diplomatic Relations
2018/8/29
Special guests in attendance at the Japan Festival CANADA 2018’s opening included: (from left) Federal Member of
Parliament Peter Fonseca; Federal MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Alghabra;
Former Mayor of Mississuaga Hazel McCallion; Ambassador of Japan Kimihiro Ishikane;
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie; Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito; Mississauga City Councillors David Cook and Pat Saito.
On Aug. 25 and 26, Japan Festival CANADA 2018, the largest Japanese culture festival in North America, was held in Mississaugaès Celebration Square. Opening ceremonies took place starting from 1 pm on Aug. 25, and Ambassador of Japan Kimihiro Ishikane and Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito were in attendance to give remarks. Following the opening ceremonies, internationally celebrated taiko drummer Eitetsu Hayashi and his ensemble the Eitetsu FU-UN no KAI gave their last performance in Canada alongside Toronto’s own professional taiko group Nagata Shachu. On site, there were several booths operated by the various Japanese Government offices in Toronto, including the Consulate-General of Japan. Festival attendants also enjoyed visiting the booths of Japanese restaurants and Japanese companies headquartered in Mississauga, as well as those introducing Japanese saké.
Mr. Terry Wakasa, President and CEO of Japan Expo Canada which hosted the festival.
Mayor Crombie gives remarks. From left: Councillor Cook; Mayor Crombie; Councillor Saito.
MP Peter Fonsenca read out a congratulatory message from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
From left: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Alghabara;
Ambassador Ishikane; Mr. Fosenca.
Ambassador Ishikane gives remarks.
A video message from Ambassador of Canada to Japan Ian Burney.
Ms. McCallion gives remarks as former Mayor.
Kagami-biraki, ceremonial saké barrel opening.
Consul-General Ito gives remarks.
Japan Foundation, Toronto, Executive Director Yuko Shimizu (right) introduces the performance by
Ambassador Ishikane gives remarks.
A video message from Ambassador of Canada to Japan Ian Burney.
Ms. McCallion gives remarks as former Mayor.
Kagami-biraki, ceremonial saké barrel opening.
Consul-General Ito gives remarks.
Japan Foundation, Toronto, Executive Director Yuko Shimizu (right) introduces the performance by
drum master Eitetsu Hayashi and his Eitetsu FU-UN no KAI ensemble.
Toronto’s professional taiko ensemble Nagata Shachu
Drum solo by Mr. Hayashi
Toronto’s professional taiko ensemble Nagata Shachu
Drum solo by Mr. Hayashi
(photo © 2018 The Japan Foundation and Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto)
Performance by Mr. Hayashi and Eitetsu FU-UN no KAI.
Performance by Mr. Hayashi and Eitetsu FU-UN no KAI.
(photo © 2018 The Japan Foundation and Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto)
Collaborative performance by Mr. Hayashi with Eitetsu FU-UN no KAI and Nagata Shachu.
Collaborative performance by Mr. Hayashi with Eitetsu FU-UN no KAI and Nagata Shachu.
(photo © 2018 The Japan Foundation and Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto)
Mr. Hayashi with members of Eitetsu FU-UN no Kai and Nagata Shachu
Mr. Hayashi with members of Eitetsu FU-UN no Kai and Nagata Shachu
(photo © 2018 The Japan Foundation and Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto)
The audience is thrilled.
The information booth of the Consulate-General of Japan.
Many restaurants had booths on site.
A mikoshi (portable shrine) added further excitement to the festival.
The audience is thrilled.
The information booth of the Consulate-General of Japan.
Many restaurants had booths on site.
A mikoshi (portable shrine) added further excitement to the festival.