Monthly Reflections

  The season has been receding in April, with the passing of the cherry blossoms and the return of rain and low temperatures. However, now the signs of spring are gradually appearing. Amidst this, there have been reports of wildfires in BC, and there are also security concerns. Please keep an eye on the daily news reports along with the information sent from the Consulate General , and always take care of your health and safety.

  Japan has entered a new fiscal/school year. We appreciate your continued interest and guidance in the activities of the Consulate General.
 

○Cherry Blossom Events
 

  This year, I again attended various events related to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which began at the end of March. The VanDusen Botanical Garden, blessed with better weather than last year, was bustling, and the art and haiku event at the Vancouver Museum was also a fascinating opportunity. Cherry blossoms and haiku are an important part of traditional Japanese culture, and at the same time, I believe that Japanese culture beloved in Canada, symbolizes more than anything else the friendship between Japan and Canada. I would like to express my sincere respect to all those involved so far.

 

○Education, Japanese Language Promotion
 

  In April, I attended the entrance ceremony of the Vancouver Japanese School (VJS) and the 50th anniversary celebration of the Japanese Language Teachers Association (JALTA).

At VJS, the entrance ceremony was held for everyone who had just met at the graduation ceremony in March to enter a new course of study. There was a fresh sense of urgency in the ceremony as we welcomed our new friends from kindergarten and transfer students, and together with their families, newly appointed Principal Tamazawa, faculty members, and members of the school administration committee, we wished the new students a wonderful future.

  I was also honored to be there for the 50th anniversary event of JALTA, and was impressed by the passion and efforts of those who have worked hard to promote Japanese language and Japanese language education here in British Columbia , as well as the efforts of those who have passed it on to future generations. I am always impressed by the children's presentations at the speech presentation events hosted by JALTA. 

 

○Victoria visit, etc.
 

  On the occasion of Ambassador Yamanouchi's visit, I accompanied him to Victoria. In addition to the Ambassador's lecture at the Victoria Branch of the Canadian International Council (CIC), we had the opportunity to meet with BC Lieutenant Governor Austin and Premier Eby. In the Parliament Building, we also had the opportunity to meet with Minister Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety, and Minister of Energy Osborne. We also visited the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, which is located in a quiet residential area. They house a relocated Japanese shrine said to have been built in the Meiji era and a vast collection of Ukiyo-e prints and other Japanese artifacts. We were amazed at the wide range of collections, from Asian antiquities to cutting-edge works by contemporary artists, and perhaps the highlight for me was seeing an inscribed bone fragment!　

 

○Japanese Community
 

  In April, I visited the Keiro-kai (Respect-for-Senior-Citizens Party) hosted by the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association (GVJCCA) and Nishikawa-ryu Canada Satsuki-Kai Japanese Dance Recital . I am always impressed by their vigorous activities. I wish you continued flourishing and success in all of your endeavors.