2026 Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception (2026/2/20)
2026/2/20
Photo credit: Koichi Saito
On February 20th, Consul General Takahashi and Mrs. Takahashi hosted the Emperor’s Birthday Reception. The reception was attended by numerous distinguished guests from the Senate, House of Commons, MPs, MLAs, mayors, councillors, representatives from various industries, cultural and educational institutions, Japanese Canadian organizations, and Japanese nationals.
The national anthems of Japan and Canada were followed by a speech by Consul General Takahashi, remarks from the Honourable Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, representing the BC government, and a toast from Mr. David Iwaasa, Vice President and Treasurer of the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health & Wellness Fund Society and Past President of the Japanese Community Volunteers Association (Tonari Gumi). Guests enjoyed authentic Japanese sushi made with ingredients imported directly from Japan. Japanese sake was also served at the sake tasting stations with support from the Sake Association of BC. The venue also featured an ikebana display presented by the Vancouver Ikebana Association.
The national anthems of Japan and Canada were followed by a speech by Consul General Takahashi, remarks from the Honourable Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, representing the BC government, and a toast from Mr. David Iwaasa, Vice President and Treasurer of the Japanese Canadian Survivors Health & Wellness Fund Society and Past President of the Japanese Community Volunteers Association (Tonari Gumi). Guests enjoyed authentic Japanese sushi made with ingredients imported directly from Japan. Japanese sake was also served at the sake tasting stations with support from the Sake Association of BC. The venue also featured an ikebana display presented by the Vancouver Ikebana Association.
Photo credit: Koichi Saito