Monthly Reflections
2024/6/30
June Monthly Reflections
I always use this space to reflect on my activities over the past month, but this time, I have a particularly important matter to convey.
As the Consulate General of Japan previously announced, a tragic and unforgivable incident occurred recently in which a Japanese national residing in Vancouver was murdered. This act of violence has left us overwhelmed with anger and indignation. Many people are still in deep grief, and when I think of the victim, Mr. Kakiuchi, and his stolen aspirations, I cannot find the words to convey the extent of my condolences to his family and friends.
The suspect has already been arrested, and further investigation and a trial will follow the indictment. I am sure that the details of the incident will become clearer in the future, but for now, I solemnly pray for the victim’s soul and hope that the grief of his family, friends, and those around them will be eased, even if only slightly, in the days to come.
After the incident, I received a phone call from Mayor Ken Sim of Vancouver and I also had the opportunity to speak directly with BC Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth. Both expressed their deepest condolences to the victim, his family, and the Japanese community in Vancouver and I requested their continued efforts to ensure the safety of all Japanese residents here.
The Consulate General of Japan is committed to strengthening its cooperation with the police and other related organizations more than ever before. We will more actively provide any relevant information that may be helpful to you all, and I encourage you to reach out to us at any time if you have any concerns or have any questions.
Despite facing such a deeply saddening incident, we must remember Mr. Kakiuchi came to Vancouver with a dream in his heart and lived sincerely while working together with many people. Keeping his memory in our hearts, we must continue to focus on our own responsibilities and live our lives to the fullest here in Canada.
Please continue to refer to the information provided by the Consulate General and stay safe in your daily lives. Once again, I wish you all good health and well-being.
MARUYAMA Kohei
Consul General of Japan in Vancouver
As the Consulate General of Japan previously announced, a tragic and unforgivable incident occurred recently in which a Japanese national residing in Vancouver was murdered. This act of violence has left us overwhelmed with anger and indignation. Many people are still in deep grief, and when I think of the victim, Mr. Kakiuchi, and his stolen aspirations, I cannot find the words to convey the extent of my condolences to his family and friends.
The suspect has already been arrested, and further investigation and a trial will follow the indictment. I am sure that the details of the incident will become clearer in the future, but for now, I solemnly pray for the victim’s soul and hope that the grief of his family, friends, and those around them will be eased, even if only slightly, in the days to come.
After the incident, I received a phone call from Mayor Ken Sim of Vancouver and I also had the opportunity to speak directly with BC Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth. Both expressed their deepest condolences to the victim, his family, and the Japanese community in Vancouver and I requested their continued efforts to ensure the safety of all Japanese residents here.
The Consulate General of Japan is committed to strengthening its cooperation with the police and other related organizations more than ever before. We will more actively provide any relevant information that may be helpful to you all, and I encourage you to reach out to us at any time if you have any concerns or have any questions.
Despite facing such a deeply saddening incident, we must remember Mr. Kakiuchi came to Vancouver with a dream in his heart and lived sincerely while working together with many people. Keeping his memory in our hearts, we must continue to focus on our own responsibilities and live our lives to the fullest here in Canada.
Please continue to refer to the information provided by the Consulate General and stay safe in your daily lives. Once again, I wish you all good health and well-being.
MARUYAMA Kohei
Consul General of Japan in Vancouver