Activities of Consul General - February 2023

Ceremony Confers Commendation from Foreign Minister of Japan to Mr. NAGAI Akira 2023.02.28

On February 28, 2023, a ceremony to present the Foreign Minister of Japan’s Commendation to Mr. Nagai Akira, Associate Concertmaster Emeritus of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, was held at the official residence of the Consul General of Japan, Maruyama Kohei. The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

Mr. Nagai served the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as concertmaster for 35 years, and was awarded the title of Associate Concertmaster Emeritus of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2005. He also formed the "Pacific North Trio" and has continued to give charity concerts within the local Nikkei community, as well as in support of the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. He has also devoted himself to the training of future generations of musicians and has made great contributions to the promotion of Japan-Canada relations and support for Japanese residents and the Japanese-Canadian community through music.　Mr. Nagai received this award in recognition of these achievements.

Consul General Maruyama paid a courtesy call on 39 Canadian Brigade Group Commander Colonel W. Scott Raesler 2023.02.23

On February 23rd, Consul General Maruyama paid a courtesy call on 39 Canadian Brigade Group Commander Colonel W. Scott Raesler. During the meeting, a wide range of views were exchanged including the operation of 39 Canadian Brigade Group as well as Canada’s Indo Pacific Strategy. He also visited the Bessborough Armoury and other related facilities.

Consul General Maruyama’s Official Visit to Yukon 2023.02.21-22

From February 21 to 22, Consul General Maruyama paid an official visit to Whitehorse, Yukon. He met with the Honorable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, the Honorable Angelique Bernard, Commissioner of Yukon, Honorable John Streicker, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Tourism and Culture. Mayor Laura Cabot, City of Whitehorse and Dr. Lesley Brown, President of Yukon University. During these meetings, Consul General Maruyama exchanged views on further strengthening the Japan-Yukon relationship. He also met with members of the Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon and conversed about their activities in the community and listened to their needs.

Consul General Maruyama Visited Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall 2023.02.18

On February 18, Consul General Maruyama visited the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall. He observed classes and had conversations with Executive Director Darius Mays, Principal Kiyoko Fujii, and Director Mitsuru Haga of Children’s World (childcare centre).

2022 Welcome Back Reception for JET Programme Returnees 2023.02.17

On February 17, the Consul General held a reception at his residence in honour of JET Programme participants who had returned to British Columbia and Yukon in 2022 after finishing their tenure in Japan.

Consul General Maruyama calls on Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim 2023.02.17

On February 17, Consul General Maruyama paid a courtesy call on Mayor of Vancouver Ken Sim, and exchanged views on strengthening the friendly relationship between Japan and Vancouver.

Consul General Maruyama meets with players of Asahi Baseball Association 2023.02.17

On February 17, Consul General Maruyama met with players and coaches of the Asahi Baseball Association, who are scheduled to tour Japan in March and discussed the promotion of Japan-Canada exchanges through baseball.

Consul General Maruyama pays a courtesy call on Premier David Eby 2023.02.16

On February 16th, Consul General Maruyama, together with Ambassador Yamanouchi with the Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia. During the meeting, a wide range of views were exchanged to strengthen relations between Japan and British Columbia, including the expansion of trade and the promotion of various exchanges such as youth exchange.

Consul General Maruyama Attended Speech Presentation held by JALTA (Japanese Language Teachers Association) 2023.02.12

On February 12, Consul General Maruyama attended the 23rd Speech Presentation held by JALTA (Japanese Language Teachers Association). The Consul General listened to Japanese speeches by students studying the language and had conversations with them and others involved.

Consul General Maruyama visits Asia Pacific Foundation 2023.02.10

On February 10, Consul General Maruyama paid a courtesy call on Mr. Jeff Nankivell, President and CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and received an explanation of the Northeast Asia Research Team's initiatives, including the "Canada-Asia Sustainable Tracker".

Consul General Maruyama meets with the Hon. Ralston, the Hon. Kang and the Hon. Bailey 2023.02.10

On February 10th, Consul General Maruyama met the Hon. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, the Hon. Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and discussed bilateral relations between Japan and British Columbia, and more.

^{(Second from the left: Minister Kang; Third from the left: Minister Ralston; Fourth from the left: Minister Bailey)}

Birthday Celebration Reception for His Majesty the Emperor 2023.02.06

On February 6, Consul General Maruyama hosted the Birthday Celebration Reception for His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, which was the first such reception in the last three years for the Consulate. The reception was attended by Honourable Bruce Ralston, British Columbia (BC) Minister of Forests, Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, BC Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Canadian Parliament Members, City Council Members, heads of Consular Corps, Japan-Canada business, cultural and educational professionals, and representatives from Japanese and Japanese-Canadian communities.