Message from Consul General Ito

 

Happy New Year to all.

 

How was your holiday season?  This is my third New Year’s Day here in Vancouver.  Last year, Japan faced extremely severe challenges from the Great East Japan Earthquake.  All the support you have shown us, in the past year, has been most appreciated.

 

The restoration from the disaster will be in full gear, this year.  I hope that 2012 will bring peace and vigour to the country.  Also, we, who are on this side of the Pacific, are expected to make efforts to further develop the strong bonds between Japan and British Columbia, as well as the rest of Canada, which were apparent during the past year.  Premier Clark is going to visit Japan in the spring.  There are great hopes that her visit will enhance the long-established, economic ties between British Columbia and Japan to our mutual benefit. 

 

This year, I would like to take a more proactive approach in my work, as last year I was pressed to respond to the circumstances after the quake.

 

I sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation.

 

Hideki Ito
Consul General
January 13, 2012