Monthly Reflections
April Monthly Reflections
In April, I thought that the temperature would rise, and spring would be in full swing, but even after the cherry blossoms began to bloom, Vancouver continued to have rainy and chilly days. Amid this weather, many cherry blossom festivals were held. How did you enjoy the cherry blossoms this year?
- Cherry Blossom Festival
During my first spring in Vancouver, I was invited to several cherry blossom festivals, including The "Big Picnic" at David Lam Park, the "Cherry Blossom Festival" in Richmond, and "Sakura Days Japan Fair" at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. The large number of people who attended all of these festivals made me realize how much these events are loved by many people. I was also struck by the exceptional affection that Japanese-Canadians have for cherry blossoms. Cherished in Canada, cherry blossoms are a symbol of the Japan-Canada friendship, and the sight of people from various backgrounds enjoying the cherry trees together was a strong reminder of the diversity of this country.
- Discussions with members of the arts community
Japanese-Canadian author Mark Sakamoto's novel "Forgiveness," which includes his own family history, was adapted for the stage and performed at the Stanley Theatre in Vancouver earlier this year. I had the opportunity to meet with the director, performers, and other individuals involved in the play at the end of its regional tour. Out of curiosity, I asked them if there were any unexpected occurrences during the performance, but I was impressed by the love for the work, the sincere efforts, and the bonds that bound everyone together. This month, I had many opportunities to meet Japanese performers who are active in the classical music world, and I had the chance to enjoy the performances of Ms. Ikuyo Nakamichi and Ms. Midori Goto as well as to talk with them.
- Domestic Business Trips
I make an effort to travel to relevant cities under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver. In April, I visited the cities of Kamloops and Kelowna, where I met with Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson of Kamloops and Mayor Dyas of Kelowna, respectively. Kamloops has a sister city relationship with Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kelowna has a sister city relationship with Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture. Both mayors expressed their desire to revitalize sister-city exchanges after COVID. One of my Canadian colleagues suggested that I should mention the "Legend of Ogopogo" when meeting with the mayor of Kelowna, and I did some quick research on the spot. Did everyone know about the Ogopogo of Lake Okanagan? When I mentioned it during our meeting, Mayor Dyas explained it with a smile and sent me a related website later.
- Vancouver Japanese School Entrance Ceremony
Following the graduation ceremony held last month, I attended the entrance ceremony in April. Many of the students I had just met at the graduation ceremony were enrolling in the upper grade, and the kindergarten welcomed all new students. I myself went to the ceremony with a fresh mind and was really impressed to see the new little students who entered kindergarten listening attentively to the speeches. I would like to congratulate all of you again on your new enrollment and wish you all a wonderful time at school!