Monthly Reflections
2024/7/31
July Monthly Reflections
We have received numerous reports of wildfire outbreaks and my heart aches for the serious situation in Jasper Alberta, within our neighbouring province. Many victims and tourists have evacuated to the BC side, and tourism in the Canadian Rockies has been severely impacted. Although summer is the time to enjoy wonderful weather, please be aware of the information regarding water shortages, flooding, and wildfires. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer.
○Sports Day
In July, I had the opportunity to participate in the Vancouver Japanese School’s Sports Day. In Japan, while sports days are usually held in the fall, here they take place in July before the summer break. Despite the various constraints that make Vancouver Japanese School different from regular schools, I was impressed by how well-prepared the event was, thanks to the efforts of the teachers, students, and the support of their families. The event was filled with enthusiastic cheers and became a wonderful sports day. There were also activities like the ball-toss game and tug-of-war, where parents and guests could participate. I joined in as well, though I can't remember the last time I participated in a ball-toss game—it must have been decades ago. When I stepped onto the field, I worried about whether I would get any of the balls into the basket but once I tossed them, I could not see where they ended up. but I am thankful for the fun memories I had.
○Various Outdoor Events
As is typical for the summer, there were many outdoor events, such as the annual Steveston Salmon Festival on Canada Day, the Symphony in the Park outdoororchestra concert in Burnaby, and the Bubble Tea Festival, also in Burnaby, each of which I attended. There were also several other events I was invited to but could not attend. In Steveston, I met with many members of the Japanese Canadian community and had the opportunity to converse with mayors and city councillors of the related cities, as well as members of the Legislative Assembly of BC, at each occasion. It was impressive to hear Mayor Hurley and the city councillors frequently mention the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Burnaby and Kushiro City next year,expressing their willingness to strengthen the exchanges.
○Visitors from Japan
Shouhei Takada, a professional player from the Japan Shogi Association, visited us and shared insights about efforts to promote shogi overseas. He also showed us a simple shogi set for casual playing of the game. The members of the Canada Shogi Club who accompanied him, told us about their activities in this region. I was surprised to learn about the deep interest in shogi in Canada, especially in relation to chess. Incidentally, I heard that Habu, the president of the Japan Shogi Association, is also a master chess player.
Former Japan national soccer team player Daisuke Nasu and Takehiro Noda (Tokyo United FC) visited Vancouver to participate in the 43rd Annual National Cup Soccer Tournament and the Nikkei Soccer exchange event.They also stopped by the Consulate General. They shared intriguing stories about the differences in approaches to soccer across generations and countries, as well as the changes that arise from these exchanges.
This summer has been a time to reflect on the importance of culture and sports exchanges and the preciousness of the peaceful environment in which such exchanges can take place.
○Sports Day
In July, I had the opportunity to participate in the Vancouver Japanese School’s Sports Day. In Japan, while sports days are usually held in the fall, here they take place in July before the summer break. Despite the various constraints that make Vancouver Japanese School different from regular schools, I was impressed by how well-prepared the event was, thanks to the efforts of the teachers, students, and the support of their families. The event was filled with enthusiastic cheers and became a wonderful sports day. There were also activities like the ball-toss game and tug-of-war, where parents and guests could participate. I joined in as well, though I can't remember the last time I participated in a ball-toss game—it must have been decades ago. When I stepped onto the field, I worried about whether I would get any of the balls into the basket but once I tossed them, I could not see where they ended up. but I am thankful for the fun memories I had.
○Various Outdoor Events
As is typical for the summer, there were many outdoor events, such as the annual Steveston Salmon Festival on Canada Day, the Symphony in the Park outdoororchestra concert in Burnaby, and the Bubble Tea Festival, also in Burnaby, each of which I attended. There were also several other events I was invited to but could not attend. In Steveston, I met with many members of the Japanese Canadian community and had the opportunity to converse with mayors and city councillors of the related cities, as well as members of the Legislative Assembly of BC, at each occasion. It was impressive to hear Mayor Hurley and the city councillors frequently mention the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Burnaby and Kushiro City next year,expressing their willingness to strengthen the exchanges.
○Visitors from Japan
Shouhei Takada, a professional player from the Japan Shogi Association, visited us and shared insights about efforts to promote shogi overseas. He also showed us a simple shogi set for casual playing of the game. The members of the Canada Shogi Club who accompanied him, told us about their activities in this region. I was surprised to learn about the deep interest in shogi in Canada, especially in relation to chess. Incidentally, I heard that Habu, the president of the Japan Shogi Association, is also a master chess player.
Former Japan national soccer team player Daisuke Nasu and Takehiro Noda (Tokyo United FC) visited Vancouver to participate in the 43rd Annual National Cup Soccer Tournament and the Nikkei Soccer exchange event.They also stopped by the Consulate General. They shared intriguing stories about the differences in approaches to soccer across generations and countries, as well as the changes that arise from these exchanges.
This summer has been a time to reflect on the importance of culture and sports exchanges and the preciousness of the peaceful environment in which such exchanges can take place.
2022: November, December