2013 Emperor’s Birthday Reception

A reception in honour of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan was held in the ballroom of a Hotel in Vancouver on Tuesday 17 December.

The Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State from the Government of Canada, Minister Telesa Watt, Minister Naomi Yamamoto, BC Government officials, Japan-Canada business people, representatives from Japanese-Canadian community and Japanese community, academics and people from the cultural community were in attendance. In total about 500 people came to the reception.

Japanese food and drinks including sake, Japanese tea, sushi, and Kobe beef were served as part of a promotional effort. Travel information from tour and airline companies was displayed. Five local ikebana schools displayed floral arrangements, and music was provided by a Japanese-Canadian chorus group and a koto and shakuhachi  duet. Guests could participate in a traditional tea ceremony and all invitees enjoyed the many and various touches of Japanese culture.

At Receiving Line.

Mr. & Mrs. Okada with BC Premier Clark  

Greetings by Consul General Okada 

Greetings by Premier Clark 

Toast by Honourable Duncan, Minister of State　　　  

Ballroom during the Toast　　　　　　　　　　　　　 

Toast with BC Ministers:　 From left　Minister Teresa Watt, Minister Naomi Yamamoto，Consul General Okada, Premier Clark　 

With Premier Clark 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 

Japanese Sake Promotion　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 

Japanese Green Teas  

National Anthems by NAV Chorus Group 

Tea Ceremony 

Duo by Koto and Shakuhachi　　　　 

Floral Arrangements by Vancouver Ikebana Associations 

Pamphlets by Tourist Companies　　　　　　　　　　 

Display of Airline Companies’ and Cultural Pamphlets  

Promotion of Japanese Food: SUSHI　　　　　　　　　 

Promotion of Japanese Food: KOBE Beef　　　　 　　 

Logo of 125th Anniversary of Opening of the Consulate Office