Message from Consul General Ito

 

Daylight Saving Time has come to an end and with darkness setting in early each evening it feels like we are in true winter form.

 

In the past month several events related to the Great East Japan Earthquake took place. On November 3rd, the Honourable Stockwell Day, former minister of the Government of Canada presented a report of his findings from his visit to Japan in early October through an invitation from the Japanese government. During the visit he met with persons concerned of the Japanese government in Tokyo, toured Miyagi Prefecture, and also visited Minami Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture, where the ‘Emergency Evacuation Preparation Zone’ designation had just been lifted. In addition he tasted a sample of beef from Fukushima Prefecture.  At the presentation, Mr. Day said that, based on his first-hand experiences, Japan demonstrated no problems for conducting business and is a safe place to visit. A full-house was on hand to hear his presentation and I hope that all who attended deepened their understanding of the country’s current situation.

 

It is truly gratifying that supportive events and activities for the disaster victims still continue in British Columbia some 8 months after the earthquake, even though the media coverage in the province has decreased as the international scene moves and changes at a rapid pace. I expressed appreciation for such support at the recent fund-raising events I attended. Our consulate will continue providing updated information on Japan and its recovery. I ask for your continued support and cooperation.

 

 

Hideki Ito
Consul General
November 13, 2011