Monthly Reflections

2023/3/31

March Monthly Reflections

Spring has finally arrived and the cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom!　How is everyone doing? A while ago, I saw an expression on the news, "Vancouver's winter is melting" and I was very impressed by the expression. Please enjoy this wonderful season.
March was another month of encounters with the younger generation.

Japanese Language Speech Contest

The BC Japanese Language Speech Contest held at UBC is already in its 35th year of tradition. This year again, high school students, university students, and the public participated in the contest and I heard a number of excellent Japanese speeches. The contestants' encounters with Japan, their motivations for learning Japanese, and their diverse backgrounds made me realize the diversity of Canada in these areas.

Metro Vancouver Japan Bowl (High School Quiz Competition)

The JET Alumni Association of BC and Yukon hosted a Japan-themed high school quiz competition called the Metro Vancouver Japan Bowl, supported by the Consulate General of Japan, and I witnessed firsthand the interest and knowledge of Japan among the local high school students. I was overwhelmed by the depth of knowledge of Japanese animation in particular. In my closing remarks, I posed an additional question. Of all the Japanese diplomatic missions in Canada, the Consulate General in Vancouver has the longest history. How many Consul General were there before me? The high school students were only a bit confused by the question which I posed, as I am far from the world's most popular animated character...

Graduation Ceremony of Vancouver Japanese School

I attended the 2022 graduation ceremony of the Vancouver Japanese School, which boasts a 50-year history. Everyone was moved by the moment of glory of the kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school graduates, and deeply moved by their memories of their school life, their love for the school, and their gratitude to their families, teachers, and staff. I would like to commend them on their commitment to a tough weekend-intensive curriculum and the results they have achieved. I congratulate them on their graduation.

Domestic Travel

I had the opportunity to travel domestically again this month. I visited Ottawa for the first time to meet with the Ambassador of Japan, colleagues at the Embassy, and other Consuls General posted in Canada. It was an opportunity to supplement our online interactions and exchange a variety of information. We also had an opportunity to meet with officials from Global Affairs Canada. I also visited Kitimat for the first time, and participated in the tour of LNG Canada’s facilities arranged for the Consular Corps. This was an opportunity to see the site firsthand and learn about the enormity of the site, the vast number of people involved in the work, and the future plans.

Commendation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Appointment of Honorary Consul General of Victoria, David Byng.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan presented Henry Wakabayashi with an award for his many years of contribution to improving the social status of Japanese Canadians, various volunteer activities, and promoting friendly relations between Japan and Canada. Mr. Wakabayashi has a youthful spirit and always speaks with a smile. I would like to express my respect once again for his many efforts and successes over the years.

I presented a letter of reappointment to Honorary Consul General David Byng, who has been working in Victoria since 2018. He will continue to work with us to further strengthen our relationship with the BC government.