2015 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 Monday, November 30. The Honourable Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture, Minister Naomi Yamamoto and other BC MLAs, BC Government officials, Japan-Canada business people, representatives from the Japanese-Canadian community and Japanese community, academics and people from the cultural community attended. In total, about 500 people came to the reception. Consul General Okada congratulated His Majesty on his 82nd birthday and wished for his good health. He also expressed hope for the betterment of the economies of both Canada and Japan under the TPP agreement. Minister Letnick conveyed a desire for improving the agricultural and economic relationship between British Columbia and Japan. Japanese food and drinks including sake, Japanese tea, sushi, and Sukiyaki were served as part of a food promotion program. Travel information from tour and airline companies was displayed. Music was performed by koto and shakuhachi players. National Anthems were sung by Japanese-Canadian chorus groups. Japanese floral arrangements were displayed by five local ikebana schools. Ibaraki Prefecture and the City of Abashiri presented their prefecture/city through displays. Guests participated in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoyed the many, various touches of Japanese culture.